Just recently, I headed back to the track to resume my holiday running schedule. After thanksgiving, run twenty miles; after Christmas ten miles; after new years, another twenty miles. So far so good! I'm still on pace to hit twenty miles by December 25 if I run at least 2.5 miles every other day.
So this week, after dragging myself to the track in spite of the cold weather and rain, I just wanted to get back to running. I'm no longer a sports car when it comes to running I have to admit. I'm more like a sedan. After all, when you are in your teens, you are a racing sports car. When you are in your twenties, you are a coupe with lots or torque. When you are in your thirties, you become like a family car or sedan. You still look decent, but not as fast as in your twenties and teens. When you are in your forties, you become more like a mini-van. You can get to places but don't impress to much with your speed or power. In your fifties and beyond, you are a classic car. In other words, drive with much caution!
I have to stretch before and after I run. Otherwise, I won't be able to walk the next day or will feel too sore the next day. So there I am stretching, taking my time, minding my own business. "One Mississippi, Two Mississippi, etc." Then I heard it. Across the street in the parking lot I heard what appeared to be a song I had heard only once before in my entire life. I have to admit it is a unique and catchy song. While mentoring a young boy whose parents where going to court a few years back, he told me: "My grandma is a Christian like you. Her favorite song is "Song of the Spirit"." I looked it up! It wasn't my style per say, but I said, "Thanks for sharing that with me."
The security guard across the street was listening to his i-pod, and i guess I must have been closer than I thought I was because I could hear the song from where I was. God spoke. I just listened. I could hear the Holy Spirit impressing me with the thought, "Go over and witness to that young man. He needs to know that I care about him." Excuses immediately, sprung up in my mind. "Let me run first Lord, and if he is still there when I get back, I'll do it."
I finished my run. He was still there. I opened my car, and got a GLOW track that said, "Bible studies every Wednesday at 7:30pm" with my phone number. Then I reached and picked up the book Great Controversy. I said, "Okay Lord. I'll do it."
I walked across the street and said, "Hi, I couldn't help but overhear one of the songs you were listening earlier. Was it "Song of the Spirit?"
He answered, "Yes it was."
"Are you a believer? Are you a Christian?" I asked.
"Yes I am. I work every day, and I go to church on the weekends." He replied.
After a a few more words, I offered him the tract and the book. He gladly accepted them.
In fact, he said "I'll start reading it right now."
My last words to him were, "Brother, in case I don't see you again. Read this book along with your Bible. It will deepen your relationship with Jesus."
We shook hands, and that was it. I don't know if I will ever see that young man again. However, I am glad to know that God can and does use us his imperfect and flawed earth children in any place and circumstance to encourage, guide, lead, and direct his other Heaven bound children to Himself. I'm just glad I was able to be a part of it that morning.
One song ... One Gospel ... One opportunity! Be ready to be used by God to encourage someone else today. If you will ask, He will use you!
~ S.A. Garcia
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