Joel 2:12-13
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
At church yesterday morning, God placed me exactly where I needed to be and when!
I walked into church a little early, as I like to do, and was placing my belongings down so that I could go and chat a bit with others. There was a man, had to be at least late 70s, sitting in the pew behind where I was going to sit. I noticed he was not familiar and he had a newcomer packet in his lap. So I welcomed him as I would do anyone else but this time it was different! I could see something in his eyes. I could almost feel his heart. He was seeking! I stood there talking to him about his past history with churches and the fact that he had never quiet felt ready to give his life over to God for a multitude of reasons. He asked questions about me, about this church and I answered honestly. He told me some about his jaded past and I let him know, “it is in your past, nothing matters but today and that you came here”. I felt a connection like never before. He was seeking, talked about baptism, his wife who is ill, his reservations and his feeling lead to start going to church again. It was beautiful!
So like I said, “God placed me exactly where I needed to be and when!”. Not only do I fully believe God put him in that particular pew because of some similar church history we have but also because of the compassion I have in my heart for people with a past. But I also believe that God knew I needed that exact experience with this man to spur me on to continue his work. I couldn’t help but get tears welling up in my eyes throughout the service thinking about what he must be thinking as he is sitting behind me listening and soaking in just what God is wanting him to hear. Honestly, I don’t believe that I’ll ever go to church again without thinking about it. Praying that God will use this experience in me a million times over. Maybe even in that sweet mans life.
So, you’re NEVER TOO OLD, to come to God with a seeking heart and you’re, NEVER TOO LATE, to notice someone sitting in the pew behind, beside, in front or across the building from you.
Lord, You are gracious! I thank You for giving me this life and I thank You for reminding me why I need to continue to be BRAVE! Amen!
Read more about why God wants you to seek him. And know how much He loves you. 
Rhonda Gould Coaching & Consulting 
I had an encounter with that man in the parking lot. It reminded me to never be in a hurry to get to church. I was going to Vintage Service, and I was there not a minute early. I pulled in behind him in the parking lot, and he stopped and was asking questions to the parking lot greeter — lots of questions. I actually put my car in park after about a minute. After we both moved on and parked, he was getting out of his car and started asking me questions. My first thought was surely all questions were answered by the first guy. I quickly answered him and turned to walk in. About 3 steps and the Holy Spirit grabbed me and asked what are you ar my house for? I turned back around as he was struggling to get out of his car. His face lit up. I asked him if he needed help getting out. He said he had it. But I walked halfway up to the front door with him talking about the different services we had. I’m embarrassed by my first response, but so glad I went back.
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