There have been amazing God moments in this journey when God showed up unexpectedly. Mother Teresa is credited for saying, “Small things done with great love will change the world.”
The morning after receiving the news that I had cancer was tough. I was up early and up alone. Waves of sadness and tears would hit me. I took off for the gym thinking I may feel better and committed to getting into the best possible shape to face whatever lies ahead.
Walking across the parking lot into Planet Fitness, a Hispanic gentleman asked me if I had an ankle injury. I thought, “Yeah… a little worse than an ankle injury. Do I tell a stranger walking into Planet Fitness that I have cancer when almost no one else in my life knows?” I told him I was struggling with a neurological issue in my feet.
As we came to the double doors, he said, “You’re strong. You’re going to get through this.” It was completely involuntarily, I turned aside and broke down in tears between the doors. He must have realized he lost the guy behind him. He circled back and gave me the biggest longest hug. He said, “God is with you, my friend. He’ll get you through this.”
Small things done with great love will change the world.
Those encouraging words and that one hug made such a HUGE impact on me. I just knew that God is with me. God showed up unexpectedly when I needed it most. A total God moment.
Next time I see my new friend at Planet Fitness, I’m going to introduce myself, thank him deeply, and give him the complete story. He inspires me.
He showed interest. He asked a question. He spoke a positive word of encouragement. He took a chance and gave a stranger a hug. He spoke faith and affirmed that God is with me.
Let’s go look for one of those opportunities today. Any small thing we can do (done with great love) just might change someone’s world.