Just A Tourist

Just a Tourist

I am just a tourist today, visiting the big city while my husband is in meetings. I am left to my own designs, free to walk the streets of downtown, free to sit outside a corner coffee shop and ponder what I see.

There are so many people passing by. Everyone looks as if they are in a hurry. There are men in designer suits, women with high heels and briefcases, joggers, moms holding the hands of their children, and many brave hearts on bicycles weaving their way through the relentless traffic.

There are also those who appear to carry their homes on their backs, hurrying to find any type of shelter on this rainy day. I sit here, in my jacket yet slightly shivering, and take it all in.

As I watch them, I wonder…how many of them know Jesus? How many of them are walking, or slightly running, through this day with the intent and purpose of sharing the gospel with those they meet? How many are looking to be a light in this city of darkness?

And then I think…how many of these passersby are in need of the gospel? How many are hurting and alone, even in their high-end careers or perfect families, and could use an expression of kindness? How many are sick, tired, or just plain sick and tired?

So what can I do? Like I said, I am just a tourist today. I am on the outside looking in. Even so, I am still a child of God. I am still a lamp stand in the darkness. I am still a spreader of His love.

I am reminded that Jesus was a tourist. He was just visiting this earth for a while, passing through to offer us hope, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life in the greatest of places.

I know he would do more than sit and ponder. He would take action. He would offer words of hope and do his best to bring joy to those he encountered. He wouldn’t shy away from the fast-paced men with frown lines, or the folks who looked as if they needed a good hot bath. He wouldn’t care if they had on high heels, sneakers, or no shoes at all. He would make himself available to everyone, this I know without a doubt.

Because of that, I will do my best to spread a little joy into these frantic hearts. I will smile. I will say “God bless you”. I will offer a meal or some money. I will pray for those who look like they are struggling. And maybe…just maybe… God will give me an opportunity to tell someone all about His wondrous works…if anyone will slow down long enough to listen.