A Rose by Any Other Name Couldn't Smell This Sweet

Several months after joining Church in The Park I became concerned about a park resident named Timothy.   I’d been “putting myself out there” and building relationships, as any newcomer would do.  I had successfully engaged with people through piles of books I brought most Sundays.  I always asked those who seemed interested if there were genres or authors they would enjoy.  Timothy, who sat with a few more talkative men, was not impolite, but would not look at me and spoke very little.   He never joined the prayer circle, only sat on a bench and watched us.  I was concerned I was making him uncomfortable, which was certainly not my intention.  

I expressed this concern to the Pastor’s wife who said Timothy previously challenged her on her beliefs and may not agree with what this Church stood for.   Because I was not a pastor and much less spiritually literate than the other “non-park residents”, I always made a point not to talk about religion unless it was initiated by another, and then, would only share where my journey with Christ has taken me .  If someone asked for prayer, I grabbed someone who could speak to their needs more eloquently than I.  Because of this, I was more concerned that it was something I was doing.

One day, when prayer requests were made, I asked them to pray for me.  Specifically for understanding of the park residents and wisdom to find what talents I could bring to the table each Sunday.    The prayer team is vigilant in giving every person everything they’ve got, and is often praying  long after my mind had gone elsewhere.  On this particular day, I sensed someone standing in front of me.   I opened my eyes as Timothy placed a small bottle of water with a single red rose, still in the plastic wrapping, in my hands. Then, he walked away.  Timothy had no way of hearing what prayers were given to me that day,  as I had difficulty hearing them myself and they were right next to me. 

I took a picture of the rose in full bloom later that week, sitting in the only bottle this man probably had.  Using the picture as a thank you card I told Timothy I had no idea what his relationship with God was or if he even believed in God, but it was very clear to me that God used him to send a very significant message.