Normally, I’m not available. I walk with my eyes down.
But then other day, I walked out of the station barrier in Kings Cross and waded through the melee of people walking in all directions. I stood still for a moment, took a breath and prayed, “OK Lord. I’m ready. I'm awake. Who do you want me to meet. What do you see? I’m available.”
I took less than ten steps before I saw my old boss and friend, Roderick Crawford. We both had time for a chat, a quick Nero and then we prayed for one another. 15 million people travel in and out of London every day, God connected us together. What an encouragement!
Usually I am not available to God like this. I’m too busy. I’m listening to music, thinking about all my really important thoughts in my really important life, normally I’ve got my eyes down.
The Bible says that through the Holy Spirit, God speaks to his people all the time. The question is, are we listening? I wonder what we miss in our busyness. What fleeting encounters do we not experience because we were wrapped up in our own important lives?
The great mystery and the gift is that, if we invite him, God chooses to make a home inside us. He lives in us. This means we are able to see as he sees. The question is, are we looking?
The next time you are walking about in your university or town, the next time you are rushing unnecessarily, take a moment to breathe, ask God what he sees, who he wants you to meet, what he wants to say. Then listen and be available. Be awake and alert to his word.
Now I’m available. I walk with my eyes open.
