HOLY ENCOUNTERS

My spirit was renewed this week by experiencing some holy encounters. It was great to be able to visit one of my holy places, a retreat house on Canandaigua Lake, NY. The drive up was perfect weather though it rained most of the day. On the bright side, I was able to walk outside a few times, dodging the lighter raindrops.

 

My ride was graced with this beautiful morning sky.

 

When I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to learn the day included a speaker. I thought it was a quiet day of reflection, spending the time however one chooses to.

This place is like “home” to me. As soon as I walked in, I was promptly greeted with friendly hellos from the staff that even remembered my name. The same was true when I walked into the dining area. Smiles and friendly greetings awaited me. The kitchen crew even offered me a job helping them, if only I lived a few hours closer! They know me from when I helped at different retreats in the dining area. I’m always willing to lend a hand whenever I see a need.

 

Canandaigua Lake, NY

 

In addition to being inspired by the speaker, my faith journey was enriched by the holy encounters I experienced, especially at lunch. Out of the fifty people present, I noticed how God had my path cross a few times with a college-age man. I first saw him after walking in and again before the retreat started as he walked past me.

At the first break, I felt inclined to share a copy of my book with the speaker, as much of what he shared seemed related. At the second break, I felt I should give a copy to this college-age man, as it is refreshing to see a young person interested in growing in his faith. He commented he was interested in checking out my book after the speaker had graciously shared about it. After giving the young man the book, he said he would be praying for me. It touched me when he shared that. Here we were, two total strangers, and he was going to be praying for me.

 

 

I took my time arriving for lunch and saw what seats were left as I did not know anyone on the retreat. It “happened” there was a spot available at the young man’s table. I thought it would be nice to talk with him and learn about his story. The two other men at the table made me feel welcome also. They were true gentlemen letting me get in the food line first, which has been “tradition” at my in-law’s house too. Christine gets to start the food line for some reason!

What a blessing to have four people come together as strangers yet bonded in faith being children of God. The other two men wanted to learn more about me when they realized I was the author of the book. I was able to share some of my heart and faith journey with them. They both wanted a copy of the book, which I was able to give them. One is hoping to be able to use some thoughts to help him as he preaches the Word. The other was up for the challenge of reading a page a day, as the speaker mentioned he does with three books a day!

Since I was sitting next to the young man, it was easiest to converse with him. I was in awe of the wisdom and insights he shared and the encouragement a total stranger could breathe into my life.  I feel he is wise beyond his years, and I am sure the Lord has great plans for him.

One man from my lunch table saw me on the way out, shook my hand, and said, “Safe travels. It was a pleasure meeting you. You are someone very special.”

The final holy encounter was God sending me this treasure I found on the ground as I walked one more time, viewing the lake, before heading home.

 

My “heart” reminder of God’s great love for me!

 

As I took time to reflect on the day and the holy encounters, I was reminded of the truth of this verse:

Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!  –Hebrews 13:1-2  (NLT)

This passage reminds me of the importance of loving everyone because of God’s love for us. We need to show love and welcome even the strangers we encounter each day. We never know how God will use a simple interaction to further His kingdom. Sincerely caring for those in our path can have an eternal impact. We are the Body of Christ God uses to share and encourage others.  You may be the “angel” God uses to speak life to others.

 

Experiencing the holy encounters reminded me of the importance of…

• …coming together with the Body of Christ.
• …living together as brothers and sisters united in Christ.
• …being welcoming and caring.

• …listening to others with our ears and heart.
• …being open to speaking words of life into the lives of others.
• …sharing God working in our lives with others.

Can you take a few moments and think of a way you experienced the hospitality of a stranger or that you felt you entertained the presence of an angel? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section below. It is always a blessing to hear your stories! Thank you.

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.  –Philippians 2:1-2  (NIV)