Have you got time for me?

It was a Monday morning. I’d seen Makayla off to school and had just flopped down on the couch. Scrolling through my phone my calendar showed a totally free morning for my day off. Praise the Lord, I thought. I love the relaxing feeling of having nothing to do.

Just then, my inbox dinged. A message arrived from a friend from the past. He’d stayed current with us from our newsletters over the years, but we attend different churches. We don’t talk much, so it seemed a little unusual to get an email out of the blue. 

He began, “I wonder if you’d have any time for me today or tomorrow?” Today, on my day off? I thought. I wasn’t that keen but read on:  “Our son lost his long-term battle with cancer last week; we are walking in a blend of sorrow and joy presently. He is with Jesus. I’d like to discuss a new path forward.” I remembered him being a straight-shooter not one to mince words. 

I didn’t know it, yet, but the Lord was answering a prayer.

I felt deep compassion in that moment. Of course I had time, but was it to talk or to be part of a memorial of some sort? It wasn’t clear to me from the short message.

I immediately wrote back, “I’d be honored to speak with you or even meet face-to-face if you’d like.” This was the freest day I’d had in weeks, so I was presently available.

“Great, could you meet me at the Gate of Heaven cemetery, say in thirty minutes? I’ll wait for you out in front of the chapel.” I knew exactly where it was. It’s near my house and a favorite destination whenever I’m out riding my bike. 

“Sure, I’ll shoot right over.” A short time later I greeted his familiar face and offered my heartfelt condolences. He was gracious, asking if I’d join him for a walk out to the gravesite. “I’d like to fill you in on things,” he said. I was honored, but still a little confused. If the funeral had already taken place and the graveside ceremony complete, then he must not be engaging me in a ministerial capacity.

We walked under a bright blue sky and over beautifully manicured lawns. He succinctly spelled out the high and low watermarks of his son’s life, pausing every now and again when emotion overwhelmed him. We strolled along in no hurry, aiming in a certain direction. He shared the cancer fight, the love of family, the loss for grandkids, all that needed to be said to paint a clear and efficient life picture for me. In time, we stopped in front of a freshly-turned grave with beautiful flowers spread out upon it. 

“This is it,” he said. We stood for a while as he retold the message God had placed on his heart to console his family and friends just a few days before. It was a vivid and present memory. Our smiles, our hugs, and prayers marked the moment. A holy moment, one that I was unexpectedly a part of.

In the distance other graveside services were going on. Families were huddled together walking slowly, sharing memories, bringing closure. Significant transitions were being made.

“I often visit this cemetery to walk or pray or ride my bike,” I told him. “Each time I come, I’m going to stop here at this grave and pray for you and yours.” 

After that, we ambled back to our cars. “Say, would you like to have lunch?” he asked. “Sure,” I said, knowing my calendar was free. In fact, I suspected it was intended to be. So, we headed off to a nearby restaurant where we enjoyed a delicious lunch, reminiscing and talking about our lives. 

“I’m a hard worker, have been all my life. My company gave me these days off to process. And it’s got me wondering, what should I be doing with the rest of my life?” he said.

Life transitions can be hinge moments for many. Moments that help move things in different directions. That’s what this serendipitous meeting had all been about.

He had been praying, asking for God’s thoughts concerning his life, and He was answering. God the Father looked around for another son, one who was available, and found me. I didn’t know it then, nor had I anticipated it, but the Lord had foreseen the hours of my Monday and designed it to be useful.

Have you ever considered that the Lord is ordering your steps? Have you ever been the answer to someone’s prayer? 

Rather than trying to schedule a time with God, perhaps we should look to get on His schedule. Perhaps we should all wake up each morning and ask God, “What are we doing today?” I know what His answer will be:  “Come and see.” (John 1:38)