Secret Dialogue

4I did have a conversation, but the dialogue about me extended over four months.

Without my knowledge.

That’s how long I’ve been in this neighborhood. It’s the same amount of time I’ve been walking at 7am most mornings. It’s a solitary route except for the activity at the local elementary school I pass.

The dialogue I’m talking about has been carried on with eyes and voices I knew nothing about. Evaluations were made that might have upset me, if I’d known. Maybe you’ve had a similar experience.

I found out about mine when a familiar face said good morning and stepped out of her car near the end of my last lap. She’d called out a couple of times and encouraged me on with a wave. This day she explained she was stopping by to visit a cousin. We exchanged names and shared a word or two.

Step 1Martha “Oh, it’s a joy to see you walkin’. I hope to get back out here some day.”
Me “Well, thank you. I appreciate it when you wave to me.”
“I know all about you by your walk.”
“You do?”
“Oh yes, you float along in your personality, with all your smiles and energy. I can see you’re a happy person.”
I nodded in non-plussed silence.
“And my cousin tells me you’re out here all the time. You walk every day.”
I found my tongue. “Well, I try to. Last week I was away so I missed a few days.”
“Yes, we figured it was something like that. Glad you’re back.”

We passed a few more remarks and wished each other a blessed day, but the impact stuck with me. These two ladies have been watching me and sharing my performance. They’ve drawn conclusions about me based on their observations. And the ones Martha spoke were on target. Impressive.

If my solitary walk communicates so much to casual spectators, what larger message does my entire self communicate to intentional witnesses? The seeming trivial chat was a significant reminder that every moment of every day we have the opportunity to express the presence of God.

We live in a fallen world that gravitates toward depravity, turning its back on God. It’s important to remember every interaction affects what’s going on around us. Click To Tweet

Francis Schaeffer often commented that every action has an affect like a pebble dropped into a pond disturbs its surface in spreading rings. He wrote about the interplay of Christians and culture in The Church Before the Watching World.” It’s a meaningful read.

“Be very careful then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16

Have you had a similar experience?
We’d enjoy hearing your story.

May the Creator bless you toward your unique purpose.
In His hands for such a time as this,
Sandra

6 comments

  1. This was wonderful sweet friend and so true. Don’t you just love God moments whenHe opens our eyes to truth? Love you

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