While living in Mexico, our family made some friends in an unexpected way. Returning from Christmas break, we waited at Customs in the Guadalajara airport. When we reached the front of the line, we were instructed to press a button and if a light turned green, we could walk right past security without any of our luggage searched. If the light turned a dreaded red, all of our stuff was searched, we faced questions and a long wait. Despite my prayers, our family received the red light… and waited.
While in line, we were behind a couple who had oodles of luggage, many in the shape of instruments and music gear. Because we had time to kill, I began chatting with the husband about music. They were a Canadian couple who were accomplished musicians, both had Juno awards to their name (that’s the Canadian version of the Grammy’s). They were in a bit of a discouraging season in life and were in Guadalajara for a few weeks of recovery and rest. We ended up exchanging info and the husband created a What’s App group entitled “The Red Button Crew'', making light of our misfortune.
Shortly later, Sarah and I reached out to them about getting together. They were staying at an Airbnb about 25 minutes from our house and I realized their place was only 2 blocks away from our favorite city park. I suggested that we meet them at the park, called Bosque Los Colomus. It’s awesome! They said they hadn’t heard of it. I was shocked because the park is essentially a gigantic urban forest filled with almost 100 acres of large trees, running trails, ponds, and wildlife. How could you miss it!?
When we finally met the Canadians at the park, their eyes were wide and mouths agape, as they were astounded by the beauty and fresh air of this natural place within the city. We spent the day meandering along paths, painting pottery in a pine forest, and eating pizza while listening to mariachi that evening. It was an experience that they described as really refreshing to them in their tough season. They thanked us for introducing them to the park and in the following weeks, they visited the park several times.
God brought this couple along our path in a way that wasn’t according to our plan, but we were able to help them find refreshment. Life can be discouraging and difficult. We can help others lift their eyes up as we point them to something good and helpful. The couple had no clue that this amazing blessing of a forest was right next to them. And oftentimes, even as believers, we need the reminder as well of our source of life and goodness. So, what are some streams of living water where you find refreshment from God? How might God want to use you to encourage someone of what is right in front of them; that there is a loving, caring, patient God, wanting to be with them. Lift your eyes up. May the Lord help us be available to be used by Him today.
I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
(Psalm 121:1-2)
Blessings,
Pastor Mark
While in line, we were behind a couple who had oodles of luggage, many in the shape of instruments and music gear. Because we had time to kill, I began chatting with the husband about music. They were a Canadian couple who were accomplished musicians, both had Juno awards to their name (that’s the Canadian version of the Grammy’s). They were in a bit of a discouraging season in life and were in Guadalajara for a few weeks of recovery and rest. We ended up exchanging info and the husband created a What’s App group entitled “The Red Button Crew'', making light of our misfortune.
Shortly later, Sarah and I reached out to them about getting together. They were staying at an Airbnb about 25 minutes from our house and I realized their place was only 2 blocks away from our favorite city park. I suggested that we meet them at the park, called Bosque Los Colomus. It’s awesome! They said they hadn’t heard of it. I was shocked because the park is essentially a gigantic urban forest filled with almost 100 acres of large trees, running trails, ponds, and wildlife. How could you miss it!?
When we finally met the Canadians at the park, their eyes were wide and mouths agape, as they were astounded by the beauty and fresh air of this natural place within the city. We spent the day meandering along paths, painting pottery in a pine forest, and eating pizza while listening to mariachi that evening. It was an experience that they described as really refreshing to them in their tough season. They thanked us for introducing them to the park and in the following weeks, they visited the park several times.
God brought this couple along our path in a way that wasn’t according to our plan, but we were able to help them find refreshment. Life can be discouraging and difficult. We can help others lift their eyes up as we point them to something good and helpful. The couple had no clue that this amazing blessing of a forest was right next to them. And oftentimes, even as believers, we need the reminder as well of our source of life and goodness. So, what are some streams of living water where you find refreshment from God? How might God want to use you to encourage someone of what is right in front of them; that there is a loving, caring, patient God, wanting to be with them. Lift your eyes up. May the Lord help us be available to be used by Him today.
I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
(Psalm 121:1-2)
Blessings,
Pastor Mark