Always Ready

Determined to find a manatee up close, I was up at 6 a.m. and on the water at 7:15 yesterday. The sun had just risen, and the water was a mirror, no boats marring the glassy surface. I kayaked for three solid hours. I didn't see a single manatee, though I did see an alligator. He was swimming downriver as I was returning upriver, but he ignored me. (I will try again this morning!)

Then, the hubster and I went to St. Augustine, the oldest city in the USA. It was filled with spectacular architecture, cobblestone streets, enticing restaurants, and a gorgeous backdrop of the harbor dotted with tall sailboats and yachts. One could almost ignore the 94 degree day and 99% humidity.

The day before, we had listened to a timeshare pitch to get a free $75 dinner. Hubster asked the guy who owned the vacation club what would happen to our deal if he were to die? Not wanting to miss an opportunity, I jumped in, "And if you did die, would you go to heaven?" The ensuing discussion revealed that this man felt good works earned his way to heaven. I talked about how Isaiah tells us all our works are but filthy rags, and it is faith alone that secures our eternal salvation. I agreed with him however that if we live a live not filled with the desire to do good for God, we probably ought to question the sincerity of our commitment to God. A similar experience awaited me in St. Augustine. The Holy Spirit seems to be prompting me more and more to speak to strangers about Jesus, even when I am not ministering on the sidewalks of the Abortion Mill each Monday.

But first, we wandered, toured the beautiful waterside fort, and enjoyed the respite of the ocean breeze across the oven air. A nice young man called to us as we passed by, and asked if we would sign a petition to allow the bill for medical marijuana on the Florida ballot. I stopped, and asked him, "Tell me, why do you support medical marijuana?"
We had an interesting discussion, and then I said, "You know, all the medical marijuana in the world will never solve what truly diseases us. Our sickness of soul can only be healed by Jesus Christ."
"I agree," he said, "Though I have fallen away."
We encouraged him to return to his Bible reading, and rekindle his relationship with God. Perhaps it was just hopeful wishing, but he seemed lightened by our discussion. I pray he opens his Bible today.

Our next stop, about 3 miles of sweat-dripping treking down the road was to the oldest Mission in the USA, Nombre de Dios. You can't miss it. A giant cross that rises about 300 feet or so in the air marks the spot. It was a long walk from where we were parked, but worth it. I told Hubster I wanted to stand literally at the foot of the cross, since symbolically, I do every day.

By now, we were barely able to make it back to our car. Four hours of strolling in oppressive heat had taken its toll. But here is the strange thing. I was filled with energy and joy. It seemed God had blessed our day and perhaps lifted the spirits of a stranger or two while lifting ours.

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1 Peter 3:14-16

¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”¹⁵ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; ¹⁶ having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.