Tapped by God on a Los Angeles Lyft

My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 2:1-5

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I had what was, for me, an amazing and unique experience.

I have been in Los Angeles this week, at a certification program. I have used Lyft to get to restaurants and the grocery store at night, as there is nothing within immediate walking distance. The “car culture”, alive and well.

Last evening, I booked a return ride to my hotel and was paired with a young woman, very friendly, and, by the way, a top-notch driver. “Cesia” asked about where I was from (I guess the Benedictine College polo shirt gave that away) and what brought me to L.A. She paused for a moment, and said, “I saw your ring. May I ask how long you’ve been married?”

“43 years this past June!” I responded.

She paused again, and said, quietly, “Amazing.”

She spent the rest of the trip talking about how she and her fiancé were marrying in the church in September, and that they had talked about so many things. She asked, a bit hesitantly, about how my wife and I had been successful in our marriage,

Be kind, and be listening, I responded. She repeated those words to herself.

We got back to my hotel, and I wished her well. She thanked me for listening, and I assured her I was happy to respond.

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God tapped on the shoulder, in the middle of  L.A. traffic, and made me listen. Again.

As he has in ways I did not ask to be part of, nor sought to pursue, and not at all confident in the outcome.

I was reminded, again, to hear His voice and not harden my heart. I have been humbled by His commands, and rejoice in the many “little victories” I have been privileged to experience, by simply … listening.