Another dinner. Another night.
Another evening spent at the Ghetto.
I was worried because I hadn't seen him this past week at Clinic. I'd been walking by the Ghetto more often, but I still hadn't been able to catch a glimpse of his familiar face. Maybe he's at his girlfriend's. She's been going through some rough times.
There was a stack of crates, but no one there.
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Mandarin House. My first time there.
We had a good meal. Spirit was with us, Hand on us, just like we had asked before the meal.
Basketball. Suitcase. Friends.
It had been a long day, a long week in general. I had been feeling so exhausted, so drained. So contrary to the vision of Life I had at Jan Time retreat.
A man walks in carrying a dollar bill.
Do you have a dollar for me? Just one. Please.
Sorry. I lost my wallet today. - Legitimate.
I don't have one, sorry. - That was a lie.
The man walks to the cashier. The lady quickly shoos him out.
He wanders to the next restaurant outside.
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I usually don't give people money. It makes them dependent on others.
I like to talk with them. Or give them food.
The encounter quickly slips from my mind.
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Half of my Szechuan Chicken left over.
I asked the lady cleaning the table next to us for a box.
Scooped the rice in and laid the chicken on top. Lunch for Friday. Box was packed to the brim.
I could give it to that man who just walked out!
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I stepped outside and looked both ways frantically. I peered through the windows of each restaurant. No sign.
I made my way out onto Durant to see if he was there.
He wasn't. And instead, there was another man sitting in his place.
Have you had dinner yet? I motioned to my takeout box.
Yes I would like to have it. He reaches for the bag - he had misheard me.
Thank you so much - God bless. Do either of you guys believe in Christ?
A firm Yes echoed in unison.
Can you pray for me? Today's mah birthday. Can you pray over me? It's mah birthday.
And then we laid our hands on him.
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Your love is beautiful
We praised Him for the way He had made him.
We praised Him for his continued hope and joy.
We praised Him for the goodness that He has in store for him.
We prayed that the Spirit would be upon him wherever he goes.
We prayed that he would be reminded that He shed His Blood for him. That He loves him.
We prayed a blessing over his special day and for every day thereafter.
I was caught offguard. So caught offguard I barely remembered to ask the Spirit to give me words to speak. I was ashamed, embarrassed, even a bit frustrated that words did not flow out freely. But it's okay because the other one of us had so relied on the Spirit and prayed earnestly.
It's the reason why I sing.
Another snippet of His heart. Another snap shot.
Another glimpse through the curtains to see His brilliance.
Another time my heart broke like His.
Another time my lips spoke His words.
Another time my cheeks smiled His smile.
Another time He revealed Himself.
Another time His presence was made known.
Another time to worship His goodness, His grace and His love.
All around the world, let the praise begin.
