Gone Fishin'ಮಾದರಿ

Carlos and Ed in the Waiting Room

"Hurry up and wait!" was my opening statement. We discussed what he's here for and what it's like to get a heart transplant. And the shock of being told, "You are now retired." He is 66 and now he cannot drive or do his job again.

I introduced myself, we shook hands. After a little more conversation regarding his life since surgery, I asked him if it would be all right if I prayed with him. He said, "Oh yes.", and reached out and held my hand.

Then he told me that his neighbor of 15 years is a pastor and he walks with him two or three times a week with their dogs. I asked him if he had much of a relationship with the man. He said, "Yes we get together every once in a while for dinner as couples."

I asked if he had asked many questions of the pastor and he told me, "Funny you should ask." He asked him "Why, as Catholics do they wear a cross?" I didn't get to have much of a conversation about that because they called him in for surgery.

He said, "Thank you so much for praying for me." And off he went. I began speaking into my phone about our conversation when he stepped out and waved to me as he was heading up for surgery. That was meaningful.

While I was recording this into my phone in the waiting room I heard someone say "Hey, didn't I see you here about a month ago?" Honestly, I didn't remember him so I asked him what he was here for and he said that he was here for a CAT scan because he has a spot on his lungs.

I complimented Ed on his wonderful smile and warm spirit and we talked about the brevity of life. I asked him if he was ready to die and he said "Well, I would just tell the Lord I punched my ticket. I've been a Presbyterian elder for years."

He asked me what I was here for :-). I said, "I'm here for you Ed." "He said what do you mean?" I said, "I'm here to pray for you if you would like." And he said, "Most certainly." I prayed. It's amazing how much it means to people for you to pray with them.

They called him right after I prayed and as he walked away he turned and said to me "It's really wonderful you were there for me. " We shook hands and I gave him a tract titled "Steps To Peace With God."

As I was walking home I was standing next to a man waiting at the light and struck up a conversation about the fire engines going by and it turned out his son is a fireman. I asked if he was visiting somebody in the hospital and he said his daughter is getting surgery. We parted on the other side of the street but you just never know what will come if you grab the initiative to start a conversation.

You know what, this whole thing of being available is pretty astounding. It seems like conversations are so easy to start and my heart is so much more willing to interact than I ever have been before. I praise the Lord for another great day.

I say, "Yes Lord" and leave at 11 to walk to the hospital and by the time I get home at 1 I have had a chance to love two people. Sure beats sitting at my desk.

"Lord, You are Awesome! You opened doors. You brought Ed to me. You had Carlos be so warm and receptive. Please use the tract to bring Ed to you. May his spot be nothing serious. Use my time with Carlos to bring him to you."

Please say a prayer for Carlos and Ed.

Be Encouraged. Be Inspired.

Have GOALS.

Go. Open Your Mouth. Ask Questions. Love. Share your story.

Gone Fishin' is the first of five. Gone Fishin' Two is next! Thanks for joining me in playing a part in loving others "one more step closer to God.

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