{I Didn't See THAT coming . . .}

This week I met a woman who was brokenhearted. I knew that she lost her husband a few months ago after a 14 year battle with cancer. I knew that she had recently endured surgery and her recovery was estimated to take up to a year. So, before I arrived, I knew.

Even still, I was not prepared for what happened next.

I was there to walk through her home and provide and estimate for residential house cleaning services. She opened her door and greeted us.  "Hi Mrs. X., I'm Valerie. It's nice to meet you. Thank you so much for having us." She responded kindly, thanking us for coming. Then I asked, "How are you today?" {Sidebar: I cannot tell you how often I have been guilty of asking that question already anticipating that the answer is "Fine, thanks."} I do not know why I asked the question.  It simply rolled out of my mouth before I could stop it.  "How are you today?" 

And, then there were tears. She responded, "I'm not so good today." And, more tears.

Suddenly it dawned on me. (Duh!) This was about much more than an estimate for residential house cleaning service. This was a God-moment. I was there because that sweet woman needed to be reminded that God loves her, he sees her, he is very near and promises to bind up her wounds and heal her broken heart. So, I reminded her.

I walked away from there being reminded myself that God is always working. He is ordering my steps. He is putting people in my path, on purpose. So, I have to remember to slow down. To see. To listen. To be obedient. When I rush through my day with my head down, refusing to see people, I miss opportunities to see God answer a prayer that I've been praying: God, use me. Holy Spirit, work through me so that people see Jesus. 

Let them see Jesus. Always. JESUS.