Under the Oak Tree

Today sitting underneath a beautiful oak tree was a woman named Denise with her bicycle, full of bags with clothing, snacks and three wooden crosses that dangled from the bicycle basket. I parked my car, sat down and introduced myself. I asked her how her day was going and we began to have a wonderful conversation. We prayed together and talked about the love of Jesus Christ. And here it was I thought I was going to be encouraging to her and instead she was encouraging to me. And this is what she said... “I don’t walk around with signs anymore because God knows where I am and He knows what I need and always provides it. Today he sent you.” I even saw for myself as while we were there talking another car pulled up along side the tree where we sat and blessed her as well. She told me about the women that come by and find her and prayed with her just as I had today. And how she never goes hungry and how God is always keeping her safe. How he never leaves her and how He’s always provided. Denise has been on the streets for very long time, she doesn’t even remember how long it’s been.
But she finds places just like that, underneath a tree full of shade, where she feeds the birds, sits quietly and has peace. We talked about how even in our pride and stubbornness, he’s always chasing us down. And God always finds her just as I had, sitting peacefully, quietly waiting on him to provide because she knows that he will!
Today I made a new friend, her name is Denise and she is wonderful and beautifully made. I thank God for her spirit and joy. Her smile is as radiant as the sun that sat above us peeking through the branches of His love under that old oak tree.

Who will you take time to sit down and talk with today and love recklessly?