WATO Encounter

Do you ever think about the chance encounters we make with people along life's way? You know? Like, what are the odds that I would be where I am at the very moment this person is in the exact same place - you meet, you make a friend - you talk and then, they are gone.



I had one of those meetings last night at the West Florence game. We actually sat in a different place, but then spotted some CBC friends and headed up to sit with them. Sitting down, I noticed an old man in front of us - I have to be honest, my first impression was not good - I actually noticed because of the smell! My initial thoughts were so typical, you know, "great, I had to sit behind someone who hasn't bathed in a week!". Yet, I wasn't so offended that I moved..just stayed the course and hoped for the best!



First, I had a planned encounter with my adopted son's mom and dad (I'll explain later!). That was awesome and I got a really cool button with his picture on it to wear to the games. Returning to my seat, I was excited and shared with my friends. After a moment, the old man turned around and smiled, revealing worn and crooked teeth, and said, "is that your son?" I tried to explain that he wasn't really "my son" but that our church adopted the WF team and this young man was mine "for the football season". He simply replied, "that's nice of y'all to do that!".



As the game moved on (tough game, by the way, we lost 17-10), we chatted with our friends. Out of nowhere, the man turned to me and said, "My name's Vern. You know what? There's only one way to get to heaven and that's through the Lord Jesus Christ - God's son - who lived, died on the cross and rose again. One day, he's coming back to get us!" I was somewhat taken aback, but I smiled and said, "Yes, Vern. You're right! Jesus is the only way and He is coming back!" It was as if I'd given him the break he'd been looking for - a smile and a response. He then went on to tell me about his life and how he loved sports, had dreamed of playing major league baseball and could throw a football from one end of the field to other "in his younger days". He'd even had the chance to throw a baseball at the Red's ballpark from center field to home plate. He said, "many people don't believe me, but God knows the truth!"



I don't know why, but I felt like this moment was filling some greater purpose. I simply encouraged and told him that I had no reason not to believe him and that in the end, the most important thing he'd ever done with his life was believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Before the night was over, he was calling me "Sister Linda"!



With only minutes left in the game, Robbie returned to stands to join us and sat down next to Vern. Of course, he didn't have a clue who he was and wasn't there for any of our conversations. In typical teenage fashion, he had been off socializing with friends, not watching the game! Yet, almost instantly he looked over at Vern and said, "Hey. What's your name?" Vern answered and Robbie put out his hand and said, "Hi, my name's Robbie. It's nice to meet you!"



I was amazed. I was proud. I was grateful. I was convicted. It amazed me that my son 's first thought was to make a friend, while mine was that I smelled something! How grateful I am that God gave me that picture. I think of the scripture, "let the little children come to me"...often, we get so wrapped up in teaching our kids and forget that there is much that we can learn from them.



I also recall the Scripture from Hebrew Chapter 2 that says, "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing, some have entertained angels without knowing it." Vern, I don't know if you were an angel or not, but I just want you to know that I really enjoyed meeting you and hearing your story. I look forward to seeing you in eternity.



Want to know the funny thing? I didn't smell a thing after he became my friend. I think there was a purpose for this meeting and it wasn't for Vern!