Unmasked

I was at the grocery store the other day and as I waited for some food from the deli a man was walking towards me. My cart was in the way and when I moved it he thanked me and said it was the nicest thing that had happened to him all day.

He began to tell me a little about himself and we ended up talking for about 15 minutes. As he shared about his past work experience, his dog, his new job as a school bus driver and his planned weekend at Yellowstone National Park, I listened to him and knew this was a Divine Encounter.

I learned that his name was JJ and that he had been a fire fighter in California years ago. Retirement hadn’t went as he had planned which was why he was starting a new job as a bus driver.

He hadn’t been to Yellowstone since he was a Boy Scout which was many years ago. He giggled as he mentioned that part with his long grey beard hanging below the mask he wore.

He was so eager to talk to someone and when given that chance, he talked. After we parted ways I continued with my shopping. Just before I was finished I saw him again and he waved me over.

He asked if he could see the face of the woman who listened to him and I removed my mask. He smiled and went on his way.

I thought of how many people are feeling alone and unseen during this pandemic. All JJ wanted was a few minutes to talk and be seen.

Thank you Lord for sending me to a store that I don’t usually shop at just at the time that JJ was there. Thank you for giving me time to listen and for the joy in his face when we were unmasked.