The Last Empty Seat

How many people were on that inter-island ferry, Lord?  700?  800?

We had driven for several days from Aukland, New Zealand through Lake Taupo and on to the capital, Wellington. Yes… driving with the thrill of being on the left side of the road, with the steering wheel on the right side of the car!  Yikes!  🙂

I am eternally grateful that You, Lord, are NO “co-pilot”!!!  You certainly had Your hands on the wheel… or we never would have made it this far!!!  🙂

We had turned in our rental car and pulled out our tickets for the 3+ hour ferry ride to the South Island.  We boarded somewhat late, after trying to get coffee at the only cafe in the terminal.  (Each cup made individually???  For so many people???)

After boarding, I got in line to order a hot, cafeteria-style breakfast while my Sweetie went to find a place for us to sit.  Almost all of the seats were taken by then.

I was in line for… 30 minutes?  When I got close to the food, I saw my Honey him talking with a man at the mini-table next to ours.  When I finally arrived with our food, I was introduced.  A nice, older New Zealander on his way to visit family.

We ate breakfast as we talked.  He was still food-less.  He had decided to wait for the line to shorten.  It didn’t.  I noticed his cane hidden under the table.  Your heart prompting came in a flash, Lord.  I went to stand in line for him, so he could remain seated until it was his turn to order.

I had prayed that morning that You would give me an opportunity to serve, Lord.  To encourage someone.  To minister to their spirit.  Here was my chance!  And the day had only just begun!

Thirty minutes later — not what anyone would call a fast line!  🙂  — our new acquaintance joined me.  I realized he couldn’t manage the food tray and his cane.  So I stayed with him, for another 15 minutes… and carried his food to the table.  He was so very grateful.

That’s when the fullness of Your orchestration became apparent, Lord.

It didn’t take us long to figure out that we are Forever Family!  It never does take long… does it, Lord?  🙂  We spent the next three hours diving deep… into Your Word, Your precious Promises, Your priceless Presence.  Encouraging and exhorting each other.  Praising and thanking You.

He had also prayed that morning… that You would lead him to someone with whom he could have Christian fellowship.  When he searched for a place to sit down, there was only one empty seat left… right next to me.

Why does this not surprise me, Lord???

🙂   🙂   🙂

“He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out… His sheep follow Him because they know His Voice.”  (John 10:3-4)

Even on a ferry 6,000 miles from home.  Where two of Your children could meet this side of Heaven… for such a time as this.

Awestruck,

Abba’s Girl

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