Mary, Part 3

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?” James 2:14-17

 After Mary let me know she could use some groceries, I went home and began to prepare a bag for her. Even though I wanted to cram it full, I had to make sure not to pack it too heavy. I knew that Mary would have to lug it up into the hills, and I didn’t know how easy/hard that would be for her. I smiled to myself as I packed a few special treats for her.

The next day I headed out to the trail, wondering how I would get them to her if I didn’t see her. “I’ll just head up into the hills, hunt her down and give them to her if I have to,” I thought. “But Lord, it would sure be nice if You had her waiting by the drinking fountain!”

As I got out of my car and headed toward the drinking fountain, guess who I saw heading my way? Mary, of course! “Thanks, God!” I said, and this time I meant it!

“Hi, Mary!” I greeted her cheerily, and as I gave her the bag of groceries, she gave me a big smile and thanked me warmly. I had a brief moment of having a wild, hair-brained idea that Mary was an angel in disguise who only I could see, and that God was just testing me. Then I thought, “Na-a-a-ah!” and began planning what I was going to bring her next time.

I didn’t see Mary for a few days after that, but next time I saw her, she actually greeted me by my name. I was thrilled that she remembered!  How many times have we been introduced to someone, only to forget her name five minutes later! So it turns out that Mary must be a pretty sharp cookie.

Each time I see Mary on the trail now, I try to exchange a few words with her. She has actually asked (very shyly) if I wouldn’t mind bringing her groceries from time to time.  “Sure!” I told her, glad for the opportunity to have continued interaction with her. I am thinking about bringing her some books to read (with plans to slip a Bible in).

I would love to sit down with Mary and get to know her better and find out about her life. I don’t know how good she is with conversation, but I feel that God wants me to talk to her about Jesus. So if you think about Mary, please pray that God would prepare her heart, and help me to find the right time and place to talk with her.

Dear Lord, how awesome it is to make new and unexpected friends. Thank You for bringing Mary to my attention and allowing me to be Your hands and feet as I show her Your love!