Not mere mortals

C.S. Lewis once said, “There are no ordinary people”.

Once when walking in between appointments in downtown Salt Lake City, a homeless man approached me and asked for some money. With an air of disgust, I hurried past him and said something about how the city should do more to “clean up the streets”.

While thinking over which city or state department to complain to, a soft voice whispered to my soul.

(Quick side note: I love the story in 1 Kings 19. Elijah felt frustrated with those who would not listen to his testimony--even to the point that he wanted to end his life. Later the Lord called him up into a mountain and spoke to him. After the Lord spoke, “the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.”

I have found that I am changed most when I seek the Lord via a still small voice. I have seldom found Him when I seek him amidst chaos or self perpetuated drama.)

The voice whispered to me, “you see this man in his low state now, but you should see him later, when he is dressed in royal glory after I call for him in the resurrection”.

As soon as I understood what I had just heard, I turned around and gave him all I had--it wasn’t much, yet he thanked me to the highest degree he could. It felt wonderful and I whispered a quick prayer: “thank you for another lesson in eternal perspective”.

Though at first, this man appeared much less than ordinary, it was providential to have learned that he was someone magnificent.