While we were in Central Park, a young autistic man in his 20s approached us. His face was smeared with chocolate from eating ice cream. He began asking questions and engaging in conversation, with a smile so bright it was impossible not to be drawn in. At one point, he asked, “Do I have chocolate on my face?” He attempted to wipe it off, but it became clear he couldn’t do it alone. I asked, “Would you like some help?” and he nodded.
Gently, I began wiping his mouth and hands with a baby wipe, and in that moment, the Lord reminded me how much He loves this man. He whispered to my heart, “I have called you to be My hands and feet right now. Remind him that I see him, that I love him, and that I created him perfectly.” As I continued to wipe away the chocolate, I realized it was a divine encounter, a reminder that God sees every one of us, even in the smallest moments.
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” —Matthew 25:35 (NIV)
-written by Lauren Strickland