January 2, 2010. The day began like many other Saturdays. Early rising to run into the Lord's arms then off to breakfast with friends who've loved me through many twists and turns as the Lord has led me to this time joining Him where He is already working.
Seven women who mean so much to me. There was happy chatter interlaced with laughter.
How I thank God for the gift of laughter. It flushes all the debris from your heart when you're able to laugh with a friend. Service was slow at Perkins this cold morning and as we waited for coffee and food we shared photos of grandchildren and admired our group photo taken the week before. When breakfast arrived the conversation slowed as we were each intent on devouring the breakfast on the plates before us.
After breakfast I headed north to spend more time with my adopted mom and mentor. We landed at the mall. It was an hour or so of walking and admiring some of our favorite things...handbags, jewelry, shoes and clearance items...sprinkled with choice words of wisdom. When our legs began to complain we decided to get back on the road and head toward home.
On our way we took a detour. There's always time for Starbucks. The fellow behind the counter took our order: 1 venti iced latte w/nonfat milk & 3 splendas; 1 venti iced half caff quad latte with nonfat milk, 4 splendas, and extra ice; 1 chocolate biscotti to share. Two overstuffed purple chairs. To blessed women resting their feet.
As we settled into the comfy chairs, a young woman walked in and ordered a tall coffee and headed for a corner. (The corner was directly across from my line of vision) I noticed this gal taking a large leatherbound book (a bible) from the tote she was carrying. My attention drifted back to my friend and our coversation. We were savoring every bite of our chocolate confection and every swallow of the sweet, frosty coffee. My eyes drifted back again across the room and noticed this woman intently reading her bible! For this bible teacher I can barely put into words the emotions that bubbled up from my heart and into my throat. My eyes were tearing up. It meant the world to me. I wish I had interrupted her....told her how observing her had blessed my heart. I wish I'd told her how what may have been a very normal, ordinary practice for her was affirmation to me that God is raising up a body of believers here in Tampa and all over our land to love Him and to treasure His Word so that when difficult days come they will be able to stand strong. Believers who are not ashamed of the gospel and put action to their faith.
As I recount the day here, I'm reminded that every day the Lord is doing a thousand things that we cannot see and many that we can if we will just open our eyes!!!
God is in our midst. Can you see Him?
It's my prayer.
Judy
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