While in Portland this past weekend, Julie and I went on a mini mission. On that mission I met 7 people. I was intentional on getting their names, as it was important to me to know who it was I could be praying over. The first person, JP, then there was the couple at Denny's (we didn't get their names and I'm not going to lie, they scared me a tiny bit). There was Owen and the Vietnam Vet. There was Nick and there was the person under the red blanket, trying to tune out the world and stay warm.
I've been praying over this crew of people. Seeking Jesus on their behalf to bless them in unexpected ways.
Last night I woke in the middle of the night with this image of Jesus, holding up JP's face with His hands and looking deep into JP's smile.
I can't explain it. JP didn't have great teeth, he didn't have clean teeth, but what he had was a smile. A smile filled with joy. He was so grateful for Julie and I to stop, to speak with him, to love him. His smile still makes me smile ~ it was precious.
In my image, Jesus is holding JP's face in His hands and He is speaking words of blessing over him. My heart was full as I lie there thinking, one day JP is going to see this himself, if he hasn't seen it yet. One day, Jesus is going to be so happy to see JP and his smile and He is going to hold his face in the palms of His Hands. Ohhh what a wonderful day that will be! I look forward to it for JP. And I think about Owen, who was so grateful and so kind. So quiet. And Nick. Who sat at the same table for a very very long time "waiting for a friend". I think about Nick, he was young. His entire life ahead of him. I think about his eyes, they looked at me with a wonderment. Touching.
Our purpose was to bless others. Jesus blessed us in such a way it was bless others and be blessed. Oh He is so abundantly and amazingly good. Will I see these people again? In heaven I believe I will. And I believe when we are there together, we'll remember that day as though it was the present. Awww see there... THE PRESENT. Once again, Jesus is doing abundantly more than we could begin to imagine.
Thank you Jesus for the sweet image you placed in my heart and thank you Jesus for filling me with smiles from strangers. I ask you bless and keep them in unexpected ways Lord. Thank you for the gift of the experience shared with my sweet friend and thank you Jesus for reminding me daily how blessed I am and for allowing me to bless and be blessed by others.
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19