Schoolmates in Car Parks

Just back from a quick 20 minute run at the Gym - it was one of those lunchtimes when you feel you could run for Ireland!

I'd been hoping for an opportunity, for several years now, to speak to an old school acquaintance who I often bump into at the Gym - I've tried to open the conversation up several times: it never quite seemed to be the time or place. He's known me in a state of guilt and also a state of grace - I trust, thanks be to God, he's noticed some change at least.

Well, on my way into the Gym, I reversed my car into the parking space - lo and behold it was my friend, sitting eating his lunch, quietly reading a novel. I waved, smiled, and went off for my run.

After my shower, when I returned to my vehicle, my friendly schoolmate was still in place, pouring through his book. He wound down the window, we exchanged some good-humored chat, and then I asked him what he was reading - it turned out to be a collection of short stories written by a local writer.

'So you read quite a bit then?' I said smiling. He replied 'At least one book a week!' I retorted 'Good book, is it?' To which he answered 'Yeah, really good!' Then I asked again 'One book a week?' 'Yes, at least one!' he concurred.

I paused momentarily, putting my kit in the seat... 'Well, then,' I said, 'I'll have to get you a good book to read ...sorry, a better book!' He smiled, I nodded, I left.

Now for the choice of the book! He probably thinks that I meant 'The Bible'. Whether it will be 'Ultimate Questions' or something of that order, I'm not quite sure yet. But I do hope you'll pray that this schoolmate in the car park might, by the grace of God, become a wonderful example of salvation in the car park.