Strangers and angels and messages too important to miss

Column Post by Aj Luck

Maybe like me, you have wondered if angels drink coffee.

This past weekend I stood at the counter of a local fast food chain next to her. She was a stranger, but something made me notice her. I glanced over and offered a quick smile. She smiled back, then leaned over, invading my comfortable level of personal space.

Maintaining my smile, I said nothing.

“Can I ask you something?” she said. Her voice was laced with an eagerness that was rare from perfect strangers.

“Sure,” I said. I was waiting for my food and she was waiting for her coffee. I had time.

“May I tell you about my Lord and Savior, Jesus?”

I smiled warmly. “Actually,” I said, “I already know Him. He is my Savior, too. Thank you, though.”

She stood up a little taller, slightly leaning further away from me. “Oh, okay.” she said, her words trailing off. A momentary awkwardness passed between us.

I glanced at her coffee, frantically searching my mind for something nice to say about her coffee. Her coffee! Nothing. I collected my food and went to find my family. The day went on as normal.

The next morning I was minding my own business when the entire episode from the previous day replayed in my mind. Only this time, there was a slight pang in my heart. I thought about the stranger. I thought about the courage it must have taken for her to even smile at me, let alone bring up what many deem a sensitive topic.

I replayed a different ending in my head. What if I had said, “Yes, please do!”? What if I had given her just a few minutes out of my day and simply listened? Was I really in that big a hurry to sit in a noisy play-land and watch my son climb the tubular structure with other children? Not really. I could have let her talk.

I could have let her share her heart.
I could have given her an ear to listen.
I could have allowed her to share something that was so important to her she thought it worthy to share with a perfect stranger.

I could have. But I didn’t.

To be honest, I can’t tell you the last time I was brave enough to approach a perfect stranger and be so bold. Why? Fear. Fear of being not only rejected, but ridiculed.

Christmas time is one of the easiest times of the year to share the message behind the holiday. Sadly, I missed a poignant opportunity yesterday. I got so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season that I rushed right past the simplicity of the message.

You too?

“Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!”  Hebrews 13:2

I thank God for sending a stranger with the gentle reminder: May we be intentional in keeping Christ in Christmas this year.

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Aj is a blogger, bookworm, wife and mommy, and an author of children’s books, spiritual thrillers, and inspirational works. Aj’s blog, Shattered Perspectives, is dedicated to encouraging and helping women who have suffered and/or are struggling with abuse. In her spare time Aj can be found nursing cold Diet Cokes and searching for awesome bargains in nearby thrift stores. She resides in Florida with her husband, son, two dogs and the biggest diva of a Siamese cat ever, and can be reached by email at aj@shatteredperspectives.com. For media requests pertaining to Write Where It Hurts, please contact Aj at info@WriteWhereItHurts.org.

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