Date with God
This morning I had an amazing time watching a message from Kim Walker from ibetheltv.com. I was getting whacked! Haha. Here's the link:
http://www.ibethel.tv/watch/1202/sunday-night/2012/01/15
So after finishing up, I was on my way to an appointment and right before leaving, and since I was running tight on time that would just get me there I said a quick prayer, "Lord, let me meet this person at the right place and right time." With that I left the driveway with the thought, 'Everything happens for a reason, but not always the result we expect.'
Little did I know that as I was driving to Walnut Creek (an area I'm totally complete new to), I ended up at a very nice shopping plaza. I was thinking, 'Wow, such a nice mellow place' and felt like it was something the Lord wanted to show me. I felt like I could see myself walking around enjoying myself during the day. 'Maybe I can after the appointment.'
I arrived at the small Starbucks, looked inside and out and decided to wait. About 15 minutes into waiting, a thought plopped into my head. What if this is not the right Starbucks. By this time, I had realized that I left my phone at home. 'Hmmm. OK, I'll ask inside.' The "hunch" was right and I realized the designated Starbucks was one block up the road.
I ran to the car and headed there thanking the Holy Spirit for giving me the tip off. When I arrived, I checked the outdoor and inside seating, I realized that my appointment wasn't there. I asked if they had seen the description of the person I was supposed to meet, but the cashier had replied that they hadn't seen anyone of that description all morning. I started to wait inside for 5-10 minutes and the cashier had asked if I wanted something to drink while I was waiting. I decided to get something and started pulling out my wallet, when the cashier gave me the drink on the house. Wow.
Being a former barista, I knew that occasionally baristas can give a drink to customers who seem unsatisfied. Also, from training, I knew that the workers are told to make every customer feel like that place was their "second home," a place where they feel safe to come frequently. None-the-less, I felt God in that place and that He was surprising me with an unexpected treat through the workers. They also asked what would they need to do if my appointment came in and inquired about me while I was gone, what name should they give. Again I was surprised at their helpfulness and gave both my and the person's name. I waited another 25 minutes and then decided to thank them for their helpfulness and be on my way. As I inquired about other Starbucks in the area, they volunteered to call another Starbucks close by and check if my person was there. Again, blessed/shocked by their kindness. No "luck." I thanked the two people who helped me and told them that they were part of a blessing to me. Another thought entered my head, 'Isn't the body of Christ supposed to be like this? ...Above and beyond, kindness and bringing peace and safety into situations?' It may seem like a small token but because it looks like my Jesus, I accept it!
I was thanking God for the treat and asking Him what I should do next.
I knew I missed the waiting time slot and returned back to the plaza, just in case. But also, I should let the person know that I'm ok and explain what happened. I would need to drive back home for that. I ended up at the first Starbucks again, inquired about the missed appointment, but no information. 'Stay here for a while,' was the leading I got. So I sat at a nice fountain, sipping my free iced caramel machiatto and asking God what happened.
The sun was bright and starting to warm me up as I sat there watching while, from time to time, little kids run up to the fountain, fascinated with the water, throwing pennies in or even almost jumping in. Of course a parent close by was making sure nothing happened to their own.
'Esther, I brought you out of the house to spend time with me.'
'What?'
'I wanted to treat you out.'
My mind was trying to justify my pride in how I "looked" in front of the person I just missed the appointment with and also with the Starbucks workers, while the Holy Spirit was reminding me of Kim Walker's message of God's presence, love, encounters, etc!
'Wow, God.'
'I needed you to get out of the house so I can tell you some things...'
'What are they?'
And He told me awesome lovely things and they were all so filling and encouraging and purposed in His way. Not mine. I went home, treated by God... a date with God.
I ended getting in touch with my appointment and rescheduled. Everything was good and I'm so thankful that God loves me and He's not afraid to show it!
This morning I had an amazing time watching a message from Kim Walker from ibetheltv.com. I was getting whacked! Haha. Here's the link:
http://www.ibethel.tv/watch/1202/sunday-night/2012/01/15
So after finishing up, I was on my way to an appointment and right before leaving, and since I was running tight on time that would just get me there I said a quick prayer, "Lord, let me meet this person at the right place and right time." With that I left the driveway with the thought, 'Everything happens for a reason, but not always the result we expect.'
Little did I know that as I was driving to Walnut Creek (an area I'm totally complete new to), I ended up at a very nice shopping plaza. I was thinking, 'Wow, such a nice mellow place' and felt like it was something the Lord wanted to show me. I felt like I could see myself walking around enjoying myself during the day. 'Maybe I can after the appointment.'
I arrived at the small Starbucks, looked inside and out and decided to wait. About 15 minutes into waiting, a thought plopped into my head. What if this is not the right Starbucks. By this time, I had realized that I left my phone at home. 'Hmmm. OK, I'll ask inside.' The "hunch" was right and I realized the designated Starbucks was one block up the road.
I ran to the car and headed there thanking the Holy Spirit for giving me the tip off. When I arrived, I checked the outdoor and inside seating, I realized that my appointment wasn't there. I asked if they had seen the description of the person I was supposed to meet, but the cashier had replied that they hadn't seen anyone of that description all morning. I started to wait inside for 5-10 minutes and the cashier had asked if I wanted something to drink while I was waiting. I decided to get something and started pulling out my wallet, when the cashier gave me the drink on the house. Wow.
Being a former barista, I knew that occasionally baristas can give a drink to customers who seem unsatisfied. Also, from training, I knew that the workers are told to make every customer feel like that place was their "second home," a place where they feel safe to come frequently. None-the-less, I felt God in that place and that He was surprising me with an unexpected treat through the workers. They also asked what would they need to do if my appointment came in and inquired about me while I was gone, what name should they give. Again I was surprised at their helpfulness and gave both my and the person's name. I waited another 25 minutes and then decided to thank them for their helpfulness and be on my way. As I inquired about other Starbucks in the area, they volunteered to call another Starbucks close by and check if my person was there. Again, blessed/shocked by their kindness. No "luck." I thanked the two people who helped me and told them that they were part of a blessing to me. Another thought entered my head, 'Isn't the body of Christ supposed to be like this? ...Above and beyond, kindness and bringing peace and safety into situations?' It may seem like a small token but because it looks like my Jesus, I accept it!
I was thanking God for the treat and asking Him what I should do next.
I knew I missed the waiting time slot and returned back to the plaza, just in case. But also, I should let the person know that I'm ok and explain what happened. I would need to drive back home for that. I ended up at the first Starbucks again, inquired about the missed appointment, but no information. 'Stay here for a while,' was the leading I got. So I sat at a nice fountain, sipping my free iced caramel machiatto and asking God what happened.
The sun was bright and starting to warm me up as I sat there watching while, from time to time, little kids run up to the fountain, fascinated with the water, throwing pennies in or even almost jumping in. Of course a parent close by was making sure nothing happened to their own.
'Esther, I brought you out of the house to spend time with me.'
'What?'
'I wanted to treat you out.'
My mind was trying to justify my pride in how I "looked" in front of the person I just missed the appointment with and also with the Starbucks workers, while the Holy Spirit was reminding me of Kim Walker's message of God's presence, love, encounters, etc!
'Wow, God.'
'I needed you to get out of the house so I can tell you some things...'
'What are they?'
And He told me awesome lovely things and they were all so filling and encouraging and purposed in His way. Not mine. I went home, treated by God... a date with God.
I ended getting in touch with my appointment and rescheduled. Everything was good and I'm so thankful that God loves me and He's not afraid to show it!
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