I’m watching “World News” and the lead story is the
revelation of the new Apple Watch. Despite the hype, the marketing and the buzz
that this new technology must be on your wrist and your Christmas list, I like
to share a story about God’s watch.
A neighbor was taking her dog “Candy” a mixed breed,
rescue mutt for their daily walk around the pasture when she decided to ring
the doorbell. To our surprise, she simply asked if she could have a glass of
water. This neighbor has always been welcomed to come to visit the kitties but
she never took up the invitation. She was invited into the kitchen to share
some lunch. However, she kindly refused but proceeded to share the story of her
life.
Surprisingly she shared that she is a cancer survivor.
Some radiation and no chemo and she has been cancer free for six years. Then in
the Spring of 2013, she had a stroke that paralyzed her left side.
Miraculously, her feeling came back and she functions with no disability. She
launched into her job history, working either as a waitress or maintenance for
the thruway authority. Sadly, she remembered being confronted by her boss one
day for taking a spoonful of ice crème. She admitted taking a spoonful and then
they let her go.
On an afternoon when the world was spinning its stories
about a new watch, this beautiful soul needed someone to listen and hear her
story. You can’t do that with a watch. You need ears to hear and patience and eyes that say that you matter and we are concerned about how you are doing.
It’s the modern day version of the Good Samaritan story.
God’s ways need a human person not a miniature circuit
board. God’s watch requires attentive ears to listen, a heart that beats with
compassion and hands to quench the thirst and a soul that smiles, “you are
God's chosen one and I'm glad you stop by the house to say hello."
Today, with or without your new watch that can take your
pulse or monitor your steps or take your voicemails, emails and spam mails, may
you be watchful for the priceless gift that rests inside your human soul.
On the way out the door, our lovely neighbor asked if we
had any milk. We gave her a quart of milk and while getting it ready she shared
how she loved “coleslaw.” By sheer coincidence, we had some homemade cold slaw
in the refrigerator and sent her home with a care package of milk and coleslaw. Later,
I wondered what was this visit all about. Maybe it was God’s way of saying “are
you paying attention?” There are many people in need of simple compassion. They
don’t want an Apple Watch, but what they really need is God’s love and you have
plenty to give and more than you need from the great Watch Maker in Heaven.
God prays for us as we reflect: “Happy is the one who
listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors.” (Proverbs
8:34).
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who watch for
the priceless moment to bring comfort to souls who need a helping hand or
simply a glass of water that says you are always welcomed at our table.
