I walked on the path by the beach. On my left was the beach where umbrellas stood lined up orderly like soldiers in a formation. On my right, were shops, cafes, bars and hotels that rested side by side respectively using every space to attract tourists and visitors.
After wandering for a few minutes and listening to cheerful voices that filled a busy cafe I saw something unusual. There laid a bridge into the sea with an abandoned building at the end of it. I felt a draw to check it out.
“Hello! Do you need anything?” A young local man approached me as I got very close to the first wooden plank of the bridge.
“Hey! Thanks, I’m good.” I answered with gratitude in my voice.
The bridge led to a small artificial island surrounded by big rocks usually used in ports to stop the force of waves. Because the abandoned commercial building was fenced off, I walked around the island.
The place didn’t impress me. There were more pieces of broken bricks, tiles and rubbish laying around than peeking pundles of grass. The ground had a light brown color as if it complained about the scorching sun.
People didn’t seem to be bothered by the littered surroundings. Some of them enjoyed the peace of the afternoon, others were trying to catch some fish for dinner.
I heard a voice in my head that blamed me for not approaching anyone. With an attitude of a bully, it pointed out that Jesus didn’t tell his disciples to look at people and walk around them without preaching the Gospel.
Yes, I knew it wasn't my Father. I turned around to head back to the beach quietly whispering the words of gratitude for the opportunities He gives us.
“How are you, man?” The same guy approached me raising his hand to greet me.
“Very good, thanks. How about you?” I responded giving him my hand.
We engaged in conversation. Turns out he was living for a while in the country where I grew up. The connection between us was made very easily after that.
A friend of the guy pulled up on his motorcycle and started chatting. I didn’t leave but prayed under my breath. Holy Spirit told me when I will be asked about weed, I should share my testimony booklet. (I wrote, printed and carried some of them with me all the time)
“Do you smoke weed?” Asked the man when his friend left.
“No, but I have found something better!” I told him and gave him one of the booklets. “I met Jesus who changed my life completely.”
The guy didn’t expect this and was touched by my little present. He shared what he believes and how he sees God.
“Do you know why I drink?” realizing that a beer can might be inappropriate in our “holy” conversation.
“You need peace,” answered confidently because the Holy Spirit stated the issue as he asked.
It was true. He wanted peace. Also, he needed someone to listen to him without judgment. I was glad I was able to hear the leading of the Holy Spirit who told many things and warned me about my reactions that would give away my disagreement.
Before saying goodbye I got to pray for this guy on the spot. I thanked God for a kind and big heart and prayed for opportunities to earn some more money.
That meeting taught me that I shouldn't expect broken people to act as if they’re not. It showed me the importance of walking with the Spirit and listening to the wise commands on the way. I understood that my light shines brighter in the darkness and need.
It’s only God’s grace that we get to meet people we need to meet. His grace allows us to meet the right person at the right time. Without this gift, we would never connect to the proper people.
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