"Thanks, I'm just browsing," is a standard answer. Yet five minutes later she stood timidly before the counter. "Maybe you can help." Her eyes betrayed barely contained tears. "Would you pray for me? I'm so depressed."
Totally vulnerable before a man she had never met, expressing a deep need.
I prayed, briefly, simply. Several moments of special intimacy between strangers, a couple of books recommended - shared poems birthed out of my own time of pain - and they went on their way.
There have been occasions when I have looked back and thought, Oh God, forgive me. I blew an opportunity. Then there are times like today when I look back, amazed at what God has orchestrated, and praising Him for whatever little part He has allowed me to play.
What a blessing to be a communicator of God's love! What a blessing to be His hands to touch someone who is hurting! I had nothing profound to say, yet God ministered.
All of us are communicators. God brings people across our paths, gives us the privilege of touching lives. What an amazing reality that is.
There is something both incredibly exciting and very humbling every time I see God use me. One of the unique privileges of working in a Bible Book Store is what I call watering. Wounded people are often directed our way. Someone else has planted the seed. Someone has given a gentle nudge. Usually someone else will be there at the harvest time. We will rarely see the healing take place. But we do see that little glimmer of hope break through. It is like watching a dry garden soak up the rain. There is something rich and invigorating about it. If my task is only to tip the watering can, what a privilege to do that little act, and then watch God work.
Copyright Brian Austin
June 30, 2003
Brian Austin is a Freelance Writer from Durham, Ont., Canada, employed part-time at the Hanover Bible Book Music and Video Store. He is the author of more than fifty published articles and poems, a volunteer in his church library and a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Grey-Bruce Branch.
