A few years back, Terri and I took our granddaughter for a delightful day at the zoo. What unfolded that day was more than just a joyful outing; it was a profound message from God that I never anticipated. Many of you know that I have a passion for photography, and the zoo offered the perfect backdrop for my wildlife photography pursuits. As is often my habit, I wandered off in search of interesting shots, momentarily losing sight of my family.
Before long, I noticed the girls had moved on, prompting me to put my camera away and rejoin them. As I made my way back, I encountered a young woman who crossed my path and greeted me with a warm “Hi.” This caught me off guard, as it’s not every day that a young lady randomly stops to speak with a man of my age. In truth, this wasn't something that happened, even in my younger, more handsome (Who am I kidding), years. The woman had a familiar air about her, yet I couldn’t quite place where I had seen her before.
After introducing ourselves, she told me, “Always remember to keep Jesus first.” This poignant statement struck a chord deep within me. I responded somewhat affirmatively, noting how fortunate we are to have Jesus in our lives. With a beautiful smile, Lexi then turned and walked away, while I proceeded to reunite with my family. I tucked our brief encounter away in my mind, enjoying the rest of our zoo trip.
This morning, as I contemplated what to write, the significance of my meeting with Lexi truly resonated within me. It was extraordinary that a stranger would take a moment to share such a precise and meaningful message. Typically, when people bear witness, they might express something more general, such as “Jesus loves you,” or share a life-changing story. But Lexi's words were intentional and direct.
I began to realize that God had sent Lexi specifically to remind me of something I needed to hear—a truth that was uniquely intended for me. This is nothing short of miraculous! It prompted me to reflect: Do I genuinely keep Jesus at the forefront of my life? If I’m honest, my answer is no. Yet here was Lexi, embodying that very principle as she chose to witness to others during her visit to the zoo, while I was caught up in my own pursuits. How many opportunities did I overlook that day to share a message from God with someone who might have needed it? While I admired the lions, Lexi was seeking out someone to bless with her faith.
This experience serves as a powerful reminder to strive to be more like Lexi. As stated in Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Let us all seek to keep Jesus first and look for opportunities to share His love with those around us.
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