Untangle Their Hearts

 

I'm coming unannounced as I walk into their driveway. The fenced yard has a gate right next to the garage. A couple of bungee cords are crisscrossed through the handle and through several links in the fence, making a maze I have to untangle. This time a flat board dolly of some kind, on wheels, is parked in front of the gate, and the bungee cord winds through the handle of the dolly. I thread and pull the cords like yarn from a mixed-up, knotted skein, hoping I can put it back together correctly when I leave.

I had tried to call but no answer. I knock on the door several times and almost conclude they aren't home, or worse, one of them is in the hospital. Then I hear sounds behind the door, and it soon opens. Richard, a grey-moustached man, greets me. He doesn't say why he didn't answer the phone, but he is friendly and we begin conversation. I'm bringing a pretty, variegated red and white poinsettia to brighten their Christmas season.

We talk for awhile. Judy emerges from downstairs and we chat some more. Our church theme this year is One for All and All for One. Names were written on puzzle pieces of the "ones" we want to invite to know Jesus this year. Richard is on my piece. We've built up a connection through their dog, Dolly, who greets me when I exercise walk by their place. I don't know where they stand with Jesus, but I want to show them His love.

I leave, securing the gate the best I can.

Lord, please untangle their hearts and minds from any mess the enemy has knotted into their thoughts and beliefs. Prepare them to receive your love and salvation. Give me your heart to care and ways and ideas to bless them.