1265. The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live. ~Flora Whittemore

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The fact that I’ve been unhappily dealing with an intense, killer migraine since 4 AM this morning has reminded me of an incident that happened years ago. It was a day when I had been grappling with physical pain like I’ve had to do off and on throughout my adult life, and I was feeling quite sorry for myself even grumbling inwardly about it. So when it was suggested that we go to a movie which would include a long walk to get to a downtown theater, I wasn’t particularly interested in going. But I was eventually talked into it, and because I am slower these days, I was trailing along somewhat behind the others. As we rounded the last corner I almost bumped into a homeless man of color with no legs who sitting on the sidewalk in a wheelchair. His head was down but all of a sudden he looked up and smiled the most engaging, warm smile, looked straight into my eyes, and said, “God bless you!” I replied in kind but perhaps without the same warmth and walked on to catch up with the others After mulling it over I knew for certain it was no accident that the man was there at that exact moment in time for a Divine reason. So I glanced back with thoughts of running back and saying thank you as we entered the theater, but he was gone. Nevertheless, in our brief encounter this nameless, homeless disabled man had driven a clear message straight into my heart–I had a home, I had legs, I was not confined to a wheelchair nor was I having to endure hard days and nights living on the streets and going hungry. And so if he could ask God to bless me when the differences between our circumstances were so vasrly different, then it was time for me to rise above my trials and do the same.

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. ~1 John 4:12  ✝

**Top image by LilAS and LOlAS found on Facebook; text box created and written by Natalie; collage by Natalie

26 thoughts on “1265. The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live. ~Flora Whittemore”

  10. This is so insightful Natalie. I try to keep the same perspective as you in this situation, that’s the only thing that keeps me going.

    P.s I hope you are feeling better now and the headache has died down. Much love and warm hugs ! ❤️

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  11. Dear Natalie I just want to say that I really love all of your beautiful writings and pictures. The verse from the Bible that says that we entertain angels unaware came to my mind when I read of your encounter with the homeless person ( God’s ministering Angel ). I too have suffered from debilitating migraines but has God healed me! So be encouraged- through my healing I have come to the realization that it does not matter how long we have been a Christian – God never gives up on us because I believe that He loves us too much. Keep on doing what you are doing- God bless you beyond measure- love Deborah.

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    • Wow what a lovely and encouraging comment‼️ yes that man was an angel unawares and I so wish that was the Scripture I’d used on that post. Deborah I have been blessed by quite a few angelic messengers in my life! Like Paul and the “thorn” in his side that he repeatedly implored the Lord to heal and never was, such is my fate with my headaches and other painful realities I have to endure, but I know that the Lord must have a reason for it just like he had with Paul’s thorn! So I carry on trusting Him and being thankful that He gives me the strength to do so. And for sending me angels and lovely people like you❣️😘

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