I’m just a tourist today, visiting the big city while my husband is in meetings. I am left to my own designs, free to walk the streets of downtown Los Angeles, free to sit outside a corner coffee shop and eat my breakfast and ponder.
There are so many people passing by. Everyone looks as if they are in a hurry. There are men is designer suits, women with high heels and briefcases, joggers, moms holding the hands of their children, and many brave hearts on bicycles weaving their way through the relentless traffic. Drivers are in such a hurry to beat the traffic lights that I actually saw a truck pull out in front of a responding rescue vehicle. There are also those who appear to carry their homes on their backs, hurrying to find shelter on this rainy day. I sit here, in my jacket yet still slightly shivery, taking it all in.
As I watch them, I wonder….how many of them know Jesus? How many of them are walking, or slightly running, through this day with the intent and purpose of sharing the gospel with those they meet? How many are looking to be the light in the darkness of this City of Angels? And then I think….how many of these passers by are in need of the gospel? How many are hurting and alone, even in their high end careers, and could use an expression of kindness? How many are sick, tired, or sick and tired? How many could use a little light in their life?
So what can I do? Like I said, I am just a tourist today. I am on the outside looking in. Even so, I am still a child of God. I am still a lamp stand in the darkness. I am still a spreader of his love. So I will do my best to spread a little joy into these frantic hearts. I will smile, I will say “God bless you”, I will offer a meal or some spare change, and maybe….just maybe….God will give me an opportunity to tell someone all about His wondrous works….if anyone will slow down long enough to listen.
I’ve often had the very same thoughts as I people watch. Praying that the Lord would give us both the opportunities to share the gospel with passers by, and that we would be bold enough to do so!
I absolutely love your attitude! We, as Christians should strive to impact others lives with the love of Jesus-even if it’s just in a smile or kind word!
Praying for you as you wait on His leading to the person ready to hear!
Wonderful thoughts to share and a reminder to be in prayer for opportunities to witness to others!
I had a similar thought when I visited New York City as a teenager. So many people from numerous nationalities in such a small area!
I will be praying for you, and will seek for opportunities in my own life as well.
What a valuable perspective…viewing crowds as God’s harvest field.
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