Love your neighbor as yourself.

Galatians 5:14b

One morning, in a rush to an appointment, I forgot my phone. Turning back, I noticed an ambulance at a neighbor’s house. Bob and Bea lived there with an adult daughter with special needs. Could be any of them. I retrieved my phone and thanked God for my blunder so I could pray.

Later that week, I saw Bob on my daily walk. Typically, we’d talk about the weather or his dogs. This time I asked about his family. He shared Bea had fallen — likely from a stroke. His eyes filled as he described finding her and his subsequent visits to the hospital. When I turned to leave, I felt a nudge from God. “Bob, can I pray with you?” He nodded. With my hand on his shoulder, we prayed in the middle of the cul-de-sac. No doubt, God orchestrated that encounter. To Him be the glory!

Gretchen Huesmann
Pensacola, FL

Lord, bring people into my life who need Your love. Amen.

Reflect: Never underestimate how a conversation can lead to opportunities to share Christ’s comfort.

Read: Luke 10:25-37 and Galatians 6:2