Pack Your Popsicles and Go
Ifirst learned of her (Cindy Ross) dream when we parked in front of the old, abandoned building when a man walked up and appeared to use the bathroom in the shadows of the broken doors and windows—just out of sight.
As we sat in the parked car in front, she remarked, “Did you see that? That’s my building!”
“Your building?” “Yes! I’ve always wanted to buy it. I would have created a showroom and theatre and done great things.”
We both stared at the empty, vacant building as she explained her hopes of things unseen, of what she had once planned—but it never unfolded—except inside her mind. Her explanations were like many dreams we all have from time to time.
Soon, we stepped from the car, joining a group of friends holding a picnic for the homeless just down the street.
On that July day many years ago, we would linger, mingle, laugh, and find the fragrance of God’s love as we hung out with some of the most precious people— eating hamburgers and singing songs. It was like the Lord renovated hearts with new dreams. He’s excellent at doing great things.
We also had 300 Popsicles (on ice) in two different coolers in my car, and we handed every one of them to new friends and old—in the nearly 100-degree weather. As my friend Cindy sat with me in the car later that day, we stared at the old building again; she said, “If I’d bought that building, I’d never met you. And I wouldn’t have met all those people today. I wouldn’t have seen the biggest smile from that man we first saw in the shadows, either. He ate two Popsicles!”
We laughed, knowing that our first impression of the man—was one of not-so-proper actions, and yes, it would linger for a while. But he would become one of our dearest friends, too.
I offered my insight. “We are blessed to have our friendship. But even better, God brought you to this building—to see that He’s the hope for your dreams, not these walls. He moved you down the sidewalk a bit to catch a glimpse.”
“I’m starting to realize that.” She sighed, “Did you see how everyone played like children in the park today? I needed to be right there with them.”
I smiled. “I know. God can take our steps and move us … just a few feet, to where we see Him in the midst.”
“This is true. I still love that building. But I loved being a part of today even more.”
“So, you’ll come back to the streets to love on the homeless with me?”
“Yes, I expect I will.” That day began a season of several years when Cindy rode with me to join in on street ministry, and since she passed away in November of 2017, my passenger seat hasn’t been quite the same—but her glares (she had this one evil eye) and her sarcasm and crooked smile linger there—always. Her kindred spirit of loving God—of living life, of trusting God—oh, what a memory, one I’ll cherish!
I will miss her until—I see her again! Goodness, I think I’ll eat a Popsicle today just for her! And I think I’ll drive by her old building, which God used to move her into service for Him! Oh, wait, that building is long gone, too!
Seasons in our life are treasures. Friends help us find our way. And the adventures may come with shadows and broken glass, and sadness and sorrow, but the joy of serving Christ comes with hope, mercy, and joy that often requires a few steps in the right direction before we can see the unfolding of a beautiful day designed by our Lord! And some- you pack a few hundred Popsicles in ice chests in your trunk to begin the season of sharing that walk with a dear friend who blew in like a steam engine and left her tracks of kindness on your heart. I’ll always treasure having those few years with Cindy Ross. And somehow, I imagine she’s more content in Heaven than she’d ever be owning a building. After all, being with our Savior is the greatest dream for all of us! Until then, let’s press on, sharing His love in the shadows or the bright light wherever our walk takes us. And be ready to move down the sidewalk a bit to make a difference in the lives of others, too!