I had published this anonymous short story, that first struck my heart, in my book entitled, “Crosses in the Sky” and thought it was important to share again. It goes like this . . .
A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lives, so he packed his suitcase, including a bag of potato chips and a six-pack of root beer, and started his journey. When he had gone three blocks, he met an old woman. She was sitting in the park, just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer, when he noticed that the old lady looked hungry, so he offered her some of his chips. She gratefully accepted it and smiled at him.
Her smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered her a root beer. Again, she smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word. As twilight approached, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave; but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around. He ran back to the old woman and gave her a hug. She, in return, gave him her biggest smile ever.
When the boy opened the door to his own house a short while later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, “What did you do today that made you so happy?” He replied, “I had lunch with God. She’s got the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen?” Meanwhile, the old woman, radiant with joy, returned to her own house. Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face. He asked, “Mother, what did you do today that made you look so happy?” She replied, “I ate potato chips in the park with God.” However, before her son responded, she added, “You know, he’s much younger than I expected.”
Maybe this week, we should pay attention to where we can find God in our midst, many times when we least expect it. Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. So, whether we are able to offer a word of comfort, a hug of understanding or share a simple bag of potato chips on a park bench, God is there in one another. What will your bag of potato chips and a six-pack of root beer look like this week?
“Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children.” Ephesians 5:1
From God's Lips 