Many a night has found me deep in thought as I lie on my pillow and wrestle with images and perplexing questions. My eyes search a dark room while my window provides just enough light from the outside to cast a few shadows on the wall. With those small rays of light, the cross that hangs over my head is barely visible. Sometimes I think this world is like that image: a few traces of hope that lead like footprints to the grace of our Father.

Today, as I walked around the downtown streets, I found them strangely vacant. I had decided not to go to church, and I just wanted to stroll without any real destination. Tossing an empty vanilla latte in the trash, I thrust my hands deep into my pockets and carelessly put one foot in front of the other. As I followed behind a young couple, I approached a street bench. The couple’s eyes were fixed in a loving gaze towards each other, and mine looked to the homeless man who was sitting alone on the bench. As I drew closer, he began to slowly lift his head. Right at the moment his eyes met mine, a small voice in my mind said, "Wave at him." It was as though I was compelled to acknowledge his existence. I managed to lift my hand to offer a silent greeting. He just nodded and waved back. A few moments later, I was seated on one of San Francisco's cable cars, enjoying a slow ride.

It is because of the work of the Lord in my life that I am able to see with new eyes today. Without God, I never would have chosen to even look at that man, for fear that I might have to actually engage in conversation or answer "No" to a request for spare change. Or maybe "Yes". But the homeless gentleman did not ask me for anything. God did.

I pray that Lord would help us all to listen to that quiet whisper He sends us. I pray that we would invite Him into every moment of every day. Imagine the possibilities if all of us would take the time to listen for His voice.

Mike Browne
loves hardcore music
needs more tattoos
fears not being accepted