The wind began blowing hard, tossing waves onto the beach like beanbags in a children’s game as my husband Doc and I walked to a nearby store A cloud bank blocked the setting sun – a storm was on its way in. But we were confident we could make it to the store and back before the rain fell.
Inside the store I found a sale rack of bathing suit cover-ups as Doc looked for unusual seashells. “This is not marked on sale, but it was on the sale rack.”, I said to the man behind the register.
He nodded, and with a thick accent that slightly smothered his broken English, he said, “you tell me price.”
He handed my treasure my purchase in a colorful bag reserved for more expensive purchases, and something in my heart nudged me.
With his ruddy olive skin, hair the color of ink, and his accent I know that he is from another country. But I sense something more, as I see his star of David hanging from a gold chain around his neck.
Having been to Israel several years before I felt there was a connection to him and the country. While traveling there I had met so many kind strangers and my heart warmed to him.
I asked him if he were from Israel, as I extended my hand to accept my purchase.
“Yes, I am here – two months.”
Now curious I asked him if he were here on vacation.
He let me know with his limited words that he was here visiting his daughter to help her with the store. Seeing that I was truly interested he continue telling me his story.
He had a second daughter living at the beach, but she died two years earlier. This was not a vacation at the beach for him. This was a pilgrimage he took each year to visit one daughter, and honor the memory of the other.
As he shared his story, I am aware of being in a sacred place, and I feel like an intruder. Yet he continues to tell me his story, as if he needed someone to know.
My words were just above a whisper, “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
His eyes rimmed salty and his fist gently pressed against his heart, searching for words.
I stepped a little closer to the counter, “I know, your heart…it breaks, still.” He nodded.
Emotions were battering his heart like the wind driven waves against the shore outside. Like the salty serf grasping at the sand trying to escape the deep, only to recede, and try again until the storm passed and peace returned.
My mind wanted to tell him about Jesus, and how he walked on the water and how he calms the storm in us, but my words did not come.
My Doc walked up ready to return to our hotel. As I reached the door, I looked back and he was watching us leave. I waved gently, “Toda, Shalom (thank you, peace)” He nodded and smiled, “Shalom”.
Sometimes, it is not about preaching the Word of God that is important – it is about showing the love of God. It is about becoming less about yourself and more about what God is doing around you.
My husband put his arm around me, and pulled me closer as we walked through the waves that were crashing onto the shore.
Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. (Colossians 4:5-6 NAS)
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Awesome, thanks for sharing.
Thank you Denise. Hope to see you at Life Images again!
Beautiful witness and great photos. This post will linger with me today. Thank you
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment, Jean. Have a beautiful Day!
Love those holy moments unexpected in the middle of routine life. I treasure them when they come and you told this story well Diane. I am sure the tears were a sign of the love he felt from you.
Shelly, It is moments like this that I understand so clearly Jesus words, “My food and drink is to do the Father’s work” When I see him step into life I no longer want food from this world.
Sometimes, it is not about preaching the Word that is important; it is about showing the love. It is about becoming less about yourself and more about what God is doing around you.
You are so right. Thank you for this morning beauty.
Visiting from Getting Down…
Thank you JoAnn for stopping by Life Images and joining the conversation. Blessings on your day.
Beautiful. Praying for this dear man now — that He will find peace and hope in Him.
Beautiful! Praying that this dear man will find peace and hope in Him.
Thank you 3D for joining me in prayer for him. Perhaps the prayers of others, is another part of God’s devine introduction.
These sort of God-ordained moments make my soul sigh… Your quiet manner and your loving heart speak volumes.
And your photos are downright breathtaking.
I’m so delighted that you’ve linked up with God-Bumps & God-Incidences. Beautiful words and images here …
– Jennifer
So glad you stopped by and commented, Jennifer. I have loved reading about your ministry in Hatti. Would love to hear more! ~Di
Your quiet manner speaks volumes here, Diane. Jesus radiates through you.
Your images are quiet breathtaking, too.
I’m so delighted that you’ve linked up with God-Bumps & God-Incidences. No doubt, this quiet passing between you and the shop-owner was God-ordained.
What a beautiful story… The photos are gorgeous. Have a wonderful day 🙂
Thank you, Kathleen. You too!
I love this story, Diane. I’ve been reminded of St.Francis so much lately. I quoted him a tmy place today! Thanks for sharing such beauty.
Thank you, Lynn. It is a story of blessings. God is amazing with all that He arranges in our lives! So glad to meet you, thank you for sharing today.