One day a little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it would probably be a long trip, so he packed his suitcase with a bag of potato chips and two cans or root beer. He started his journey. When he had walked about four blocks, he sat down at a park bench right next to an old man. The old man was just feeding the pigeons. The boy opened his suitcase, pulled out a can of root beer and was getting ready to take a drink when he noticed that the old man looked hungry, so he offered him some of his chips. The old man gracefully accepted and smiled at the boy.

The boy noticed the toothless smile and thought it rather unique so in order to see the smile again, he offered the old man his other can of root beer. Again, the man smiled and the boy was delighted. They sat together for a couple of hours eating the potato chips and drinking the pop, smiling at each other, but never actually saying a word. As twilight approached, the boy was getting tired and got up to leave. He took a few steps away from the old man, then turned around, ran back to him and just gave him a big hug. And they both gave each other the biggest smiles ever….but not a word was exchanged.

When the boy got home a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look on his face and a little concerned where he had been all afternoon. She then asked him about his whereabouts that afternoon and why he was smiling so joyfully at her. “What is with that radiant smile on your face?” she asked, “And just where have you been all afternoon?”

The boy replied, “Mom, guess what? I just had lunch with God.” Before his mother could respond, he added, “And you know what, he’s got the greatest smile in the world.” His mother looked at him completely perplexed.

Meanwhile, this old man, also beaming with joy, returned to his home. His wife looked at him and was stunned at what she saw. Her husband had this huge smile on his face and his entire countenance beamed with joy. “Honey, look at you. What in the world did you do today that made you so happy?” she asked him. He replied, “You won’t hardly believe it, but I drank root beer and ate potato chips with God today.” And before his wife could respond, the old man added, “And you know, he’s really much younger than I expected.”

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of kindness…all of which has the potential to turn a life around. Every day people come into our lives for a reason, for a season or for a lifetime. We should embrace all equally.

So with the summer months upon us right now…..”Go have lunch or a picnic with God. Oh and bring the root beer and potato chips.”

Have a great day, week and summer.

Let me know what you think at jsheda@indytel.com or call me at 319.334.4117. Love to hear from you.