Note: The incident below occurred years ago when Cleveland’s reputation was at an all-time low. I’ve spent time there since, and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Would this be the worst layover ever? I’d missed my connecting flight, and now I had four hours to kill. In Cleveland. Oh, the humanity! I could have bought a paperback, or sat watching the slo-mo ballet of jets on the tarmac. But for some reason, I sensed God telling me to take the shuttle train into the city. “Are you sure?” I asked God. “I mean, you know this is Cleveland, right?”
Crickets.
The moment I arrived downtown, I spotted a depressed-looking guy in an “Information” booth. I told him about my layover, and asked, “What’s there to do?”
“Nothing,” he replied. “You know this is Cleveland, right?” (I’m not making this up.)
I told you, God! I said in my head.
But then God replied, He needs Me.
So I told him about the omnipotent, omniscient—and decidedly pushy—Creator of the universe who I do, in fact, love with all my heart and (however grumpily) tend to get all my best ideas from. Including things like telling Information Guys about Him.
To my surprise, Information Guy seemed interested, and maybe even a little jealous. But then he said, “I’m not ready, man. First I have to get my life together. Then I’ll give it to God.”
He was eating an apple. So I pointed at it, and said, “You don’t become a tree by producing apples. You produce apples because you’re a tree. First you have to be the tree. Let God make you a tree!”
He looked at me like I was crazy (I get that a lot). But then something seemed to click. Still, he said nothing more. So I spent a few hours exploring the Public Square area.
On my way back to the train, I passed Information Guy again. Before I could say anything, he flashed a grin and shouted, “Be the tree, man! Be the tree!” And then he put his palms together, indicating he’d been praying, and pointed upward.
I love it when God springs divine appointments on me. Even if I do grumble about them. And by the way, have I mentioned that…
That was the best layover ever?
“You did not choose Me, I chose you, and equipped you to bear good fruit!” ~John 15:16
Very nicely done, Mitch. Forwarded to friends
I’m so glad you appreciated it, Steve, and hope your friend does as well.
Love it! Evangelization doesn’t have to be hard to do. Well done!
Right you are, my Anonymous friend. I’m not a fan of “scripted” evangelism per se. But I do believe talking about our own faith journeys can positively impact others’ lives.
goosebumps
I don’t often feel the need to say it, but, “Amen!”
Thanks, SP.
You’re most welcome. Know that while I don’t pester you with comments, I very much enjoy reading your posts.
I love this, Mitch! I’m glad you were right where you needed to be at that moment in time.
God’s timing, trE.
Always, sir. Exactly. 🙏🏽💙
LOVE LOVE LOVE this! God is always watching out for opportunities and directing our steps to help others. Be the Tree!
Thanks, Caroll!
Thais is great. We never know when, where or how God will use us. We just need to be ready at all times. You were there and ready, Mitch.
Honestly, I was quite hesitant, Mags. But, yes, being willing is the key.
And you were the sower of seeds! Thanks for sharing that great story, Mitch!
My privilege, Abe.
Very interesting discussion!
Props for being Jonah in “The Mistake by the Lake” obeying God and telling Nineveh the Word 😎🙏👏
;>)
I’m more of a tree hugger than a tree be-er. But I love this story! 😀
;>)
Brilliant sales technique!
Thanks, I think. ;>) Just sharing what I sensed he needed to hear, really.
Love this! I’ve never been moved to talk to someone about God but I do believe we are all wandering around with messages for each other – especially strangers – and I’ve had so many incidences of this same thing all week.
God’s timing.
Be the tree! I love trees and I approve of this metaphor . ☺️
:>)
Nice!
Thank you, Dana.
god, i pray for cora from catsartpics, to be healed, & i pray for cora, to rewrite from 0 to 100, using the same pen & same page. i pray mitch, in jesus name, amen.
Your acting and improvisational skills serve you well when evangelizing. That was a slam dunk using your God-given gifts. 🙂
Kairos moment, another great story, let’s pray for information guy.
Thanks, L.G., and amen.
Great story Mitch
Thanks, Rocky.
hello @catsartpics
Great story thanks for sharing. Love that line, “Be a tree.” I worked in that area of Cleveland in the 1980s so I have a vivid picture of the city in those days. Yes, it’s a very different place today.
Thanks, Chris, and yes, it definitely is.
Wow, what an opportunity, and you ceased it. I love that line, Be the Tree.
Is it okay to like the ‘pushy’ God 🤭.
Be the tree is a good slogan.
God’s kind of pushy is all about love, Iba. So, yeah, it’s OK. ;>)
nice👌
Thank you, Neeraj.
I love it. A simple message.
Divine, Mitch! Pun intended : )
;>) Thank you, Catherin.
Thanks for sharing this Mitch. Many of God’s “interruptions” turn out to be His pathways to fulfilling and memorable moments as we keep discovering.
Very true, Leo and Nina.
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What a great story!
Thank you, Jennie.
You are welcome, Mitch.
Great story, Mitch! I need to be bolder. 😊
Thank you, Peggy.
Was this before they built the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland?
Yes, long before, Kara.
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