Influence

Yesterday I promised a story about someone who had influence in someones life, though he was reluctant to do so. Erwin McManus tells the story in Chasing Daylight.
It's a long story, so I'll paraphrase.

A UPS driver would make deliveries in L.A. and would have to stop at a particular intersection almost daily. He dreaded this location because whenever he would stop, a gas station attendant would come out and start talking to him, non-stop. Whether he was checking his packages, getting his hand truck, wheeling his delivery to local businesses, writing up paperwork, this guy would be talking to him, following him about and wouldn't stop until he drove away.

One day the gas station attendant was beaming. He handed the UPS driver an envelope and told him he was getting married and would he come to the wedding? The driver didn't commit, knowing at some point he would just have to say no. Weeks went by and every week the attendant would ask him, "Are you coming to my wedding?" The driver had checked his calendar and seen he had a leadership meeting for church that day. He was prepared to say he had a prior engagement, but the words came out, "Sure, I'll be there. I wouldn't miss it." He sat there stunned, then had to figure out he wouldn't be attending the meeting with his wife.

The day of the wedding he got dressed up, and realized he had forgotten a gift or card. He decided to bring his video camera and tape the wedding and give that as a stand-in gift. He arrived at the chapel and was escorted to the groom's side. Five minutes before the wedding, he was still the only person on that side of the church, as the bride's side had almost filled. Twenty-five people got up and moved to the groom's side. He taped the wedding and the bride and groom were all smiles.

After the wedding, the groom came up to him and thanked him for being there. Then he asked if he was coming to the reception. Again, the words came out, "Sure, I'll be there. I just have to put my equipment away."

He drove to the parent's home for the reception and decided to tape that as well. Not knowing anyone it was better than making small talk. The toasts were given and he taped away. The groom stood and thanked everyone for coming. Then he said, "I want to especially thank my best friend, Dave." And he pointed to the UPS driver taping and everyone toasted him. Dave was floored. Best friend? Are you kidding?

The groom came up to Dave a few minutes later and hugged him, thanked him again for coming, and said, "I sent out 150 invitations to family and friends, and you were the only one who came to my wedding. That means a lot to me."

Dave realized that he had experienced a divine moment. It wasn't about what Dave wanted to do that day, he had an appointment from God. Dave and the groom later became discipleship partners after Dave led him to Christ. They go to the same church and have a great relationship.

You never know what one word, moment, hug, or conversation will lead to. It's not about you, it's about them. Be open and willing to seize divine moments.

Have a beautiful day.