Another sunny Sunday was forecast, so that meant another perfect day for a road trip to a park. A Sunday earlier on our travels, we saw a sign for a new to us park. We added it to our possible park list. When Saturday night rolled around, we were thinking of going in a different direction but finally decided to go to the new park.
Our weekly tradition has usually included stopping at a Subway to take subs with us. With the desolate location of this particular park, we opted to go to our local subway as we headed out. As we pulled up, we noticed an older woman walking who was pushing a wired cart. It looked like she was struggling a bit, but she entered the restaurant and sat down. Seeing her, I felt that inkling and told my husband, “I think we should buy her some food.”
My husband went in to pick up our order and asked the woman if she wanted some food. He was able to find out what she wanted, order it, and give it to her.
I share that story because it proves to me God is always orchestrating our footsteps and events in our lives. God moments, God’s presence is all around us!
We make our own plans, but the Lord decides where we will go. –Proverbs 16:9 (CEV)
When we arrived at our park destination, it was sprinkling, a little foggy, and cloudy though the forecast called for no rain! We thought we were going to have the park to ourselves, but more cars came. As we walked around for a bit, I noticed a couple down near the water. The gentleman was brave enough to go swimming in the lake, while the lady came back to the parking lot. She was hoping she had the right place for the water baptisms that were going to take place. We had a lovely conversation with her as she waited for the rest of the group to come.
I had the unexpected pleasure of watching the lady’s husband, along with two teenage girls, get baptized at this lake. How wonderful it was to hear each of them making a public proclamation of accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior, taking the next step in their faith journey. Amazingly, the Pastor had a stroke two weeks ago, just getting out of the hospital. He braved the water despite a few side effects he was still experiencing from the stroke.
It made me reflect on Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist and imagining the voice from heaven saying,
and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” –Matthew 3:17 (ESV)
I am sure God was saying that same phrase, “This is my beloved Son (Daughter), with whom I am well pleased,” as these three people were baptized. What rejoicing there was in Heaven!
Seeing the two teens took my thoughts back to the night before when I was attending my church service. It was God’s perfect timing that I rode the elevator to the church with a teen boy who I recognized as he assists in lighting the candles in the church and making sure everything is all set up. As we got in the elevator, without even thinking ahead of time, words just came out of my mouth. Something like, “Thank you for all you do for the church and church family. It is so nice to see young people love the Lord and be involved.” Earlier this year, this teen brought a friend of his to the Lord, and I witnessed his baptism. I told him how special that was, too, as we conversed.
The day was blessed with special God moments with being obedient to His voice and taking time to converse with strangers. Only God’s perfect timing could orchestrate the water baptism on the particular day we were at this park.
The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. –Psalm 37:23 (NLT)
My quiet time spot at the picnic table
I am grateful for the interactions I had this day. It was a perfect blend of realizing how important people are in our lives, sharing faith stories, and quiet time with the Lord observing His beautiful creation, especially with the colorful leaves before me. Only God can orchestrate the specialness of our days and the blessing of each moment.
This week my prayer is that you may see God revealing His presence, orchestrating your footsteps each day!
A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way? –Proverbs 20:24 (NIV)
So very beautiful to remember God’s precious guidance through every moment. ❤️
Indeed, it is so beautiful, Robyn! He is always with us leading and guiding. Many thanks for reading and sharing. Blessings to you and your family!
What a lovely story. Thanks for telling us.
Thank you for reading and sharing the encouragement to bless me. I hope you and all the family are well!
Christine, this is Rick Cramer, the pastor at the baptisms. This is such an amazing post and so beautifully written! I wish I had the opportunity to meet you and your husband. Would you mind if I share this on social media?
Rick: Wow! What a blessing to see that somehow you found this post! Thank you for your kind words. I would be honored if you shared the post…thank you for asking. It was a special encounter. May God continue to bless you and your church. Blessings~
Rick: Wow! What a blessing to see that somehow you found this post! Thank you for your kind words. I would be honored if you shared the post…thank you for asking. It was a special encounter. May God continue to bless you and your church. Blessings~
I was lucky enough to meet her that day!
I am blessed that we met and talked that day as well! I hope your week went well that week. 🙂 Thank you for reading…Blessings to you and your family~
Hi Christine, in regards to you and your husband buying a sandwich for the older woman at Subway……I wish I could tell you how many times my wife and I have done the same thing. Typically it’s for an older gentleman who’s wearing a ballcap for one of our service branches. Just recently though we were at Cracker Barrel and I noticed a young couple (high school…..college maybe). They were holding hands off and on throughout their lunch and when it came time to get ready to pay their bill, I saw the young man counting his cash and it was obvious that he was a bit short as his girlfriend ended up getting some money out of her handbag. I asked our server if she would give me their bill (but not to tell them that someone else was paying for them). She pulled it off without a hitch. I told my wife that I just hope they went home and told someone what had happened….but more than that, I hope that they remember it sometime in the future so they can pay it forward as well. Thanks for all of your thoughts and insights…….I always enjoy them.
Greetings, Jeff… Thank you for faithfully reading and for sharing that beautiful story of how others are blessed through your sharing God’s love in providing. I have no doubt that young couple was touched by your kindness and will pay it forward some day. 🙂 I love how you are in tune with seeing a need and filling it. I also appreciate your encouragement about the weekly reflections that blessed my spirit. God bless you and your family~ I appreciate you!