It’s finally Friday…and I’m Pastor James St. John.
Today…it was a typical morning. I put my headphones on and headed out the door for an early walk. That is the usual way I step aside from the tasks of the day listen to a daily wake up call, pray, worship, and even play a little Pokemon Go…yeah, I actually do that.
Today’s wake up call included a challenge to ask God for an assignment. Who was that person God intended me to encourage, today? I thought about the people I see every day of the week, first of all. I probably aggravate them more than I encourage them, lol. No, really, they came to mind and I sort of laughed. There had to be someone else.
I talked to the Lord about the things that are on my heart, today, and then continued in silence, opting not to turn on the worship music. I only had a short distance back to the house, so I opened Pokemon Go to see if I could catch something to brag about to my children.
That’s when I noticed the car sitting at the corner. A man in khaki’s and a blue uniform shirt got out and moved in the direction of the phone company facility that sits on the corner. I assumed he was there for work and went my way, waving in his direction to be neighborly. It did not take me long to notice, however, that he walked right by and continued up the road, ten steps ahead of me on the other side of the road.
He passed my driveway and I felt the nudge in my spirit to ask if he needed a ride.
“Hey, man! You need a ride?” I called.
He turned in my direction and explained where he lived and that he sure would appreciate a ride. I asked him to give me minute to retrieve my keys from the house and we met at my car.
As he settled in my passenger seat, I offered my hand.
“I’m James.”
“Don’t I know you? You’re James St. John, right?” he said, smiling.
I paused.
“Why don’t I recognize you?” I asked, not surprised that I did not remember a name. I rarely forget a face, though.
His name was Clay. We had first met years ago, during a youth event in Milledgeville. He has since married, has a family, continues to love the Lord and his church family at New Life on Log Cabin…and, he doesn’t look a bit like the young man I met those years ago.
Along the way, I believe he was encouraged and, I know, I was encouraged.
Yes, it was a typical morning. God, once again, reminded me that He orders my steps and prepares me to be what He calls me to be, every day…an encourager.
Now, I offer you the same challenge. Ask God for an assignment, today. Who can you encourage, today? God intends you to make a difference in someone’s life. It may be your spouse. It may be your co-worker or friend. Then again, it may be a brother in the Lord, walking along the road, just needing a lift.