Week 9 – Personal Reflection
The Light of the World – Part II
“You are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14
This fall, my husband, Jac and I spent a long weekend in Phoenix. On our first morning there, we decided to hike to the top of Camelback Mountain. It was really hot and the climb was pretty challenging.
About half way up, we heard a man coming down the mountain. He called to a man in front of us, “Hey my friend, how is your hike going?” Jac and I could hear them chatting for a while and assumed they were friends. Then he made it to us and greeted us warmly and asked where we were from. He told us one of his most prized possessions is an Indianapolis Pacer’s jersey and we talked a little about Indiana and hiking.
Then we heard him greet the couple behind us. They told him they were hiking to celebrate their anniversary. This man congratulated them and they talked a little bit about the joys of marriage.
Sounds like the friendliest man on the mountain, right? But wait. Here’s the best part. At the end of each conversation, he said “Enjoy your hike and God Bless You.” I immediately felt Blessed.
A feeling of happiness followed me the rest of the way up the mountain and continued during the steep climb down. This stranger made me feel loved and reminded me that God was with me on that hike,and will always remain by my side.
I was so impressed by the friendliness and spirituality of this special guy. I have told this story to some of my friends and one of them reminded me of a sermon given by Father Joe. He advised us to respond, “I am Blessed,” when someone says, “How are you?” I like this idea and hope it will be a way to make me more comfortable sharing my faith with people I don’t know.
So, please enjoy the miles you walk this week and God Bless You!
Questions to think about:
1)How can I keep my focus on God’s presence while I am going through my busy day?
2)How can I find ways to share my faith with the people during my daily life?
Mary Cooper November 2017