I was recently given the gift of a new phone. This was particularly special because I haven't had a new phone since before the Race. Upon arrival of the new device I was told to take it immediately to the Verizon store for set up. 

With a flight later that evening, I was focused and ready to tackle this errand as quickly as possible. As I entered the store I was overwhelmed by the number of protective case choices. Starring in amazement of the wall of options the gentleman waiting on me asked for my Apple ID. 

"I'm not sure." I replied.

Boy, he had no idea what he was getting himself into when stepping up to help me out. I'm probably the one person in the US who doesn't have an iTunes account.

"I just use my phone for txt, calls and Facebook." I said.

"You mean to tell me, you use your phone to CALL people?" he laughed. I could tell he had a good sense of humor. 

An hour had passed as he carefully transferred data to my new phone.

"Ask about his mother." I heard the Lord say.

I slowly worked family into the conversation. "So you've worked here for 2 years? Are you from the area originally? Oh is your family close by? How close are you and your mom?" I've been told I could make friends with a pigeon so this was not a stretch to ask ALL the questions.

What felt like another hour later, he showed me the new update and asked what I was doing in Gainesville, Georgia. I promptly shared about the World Race, Adventures in Missions and the Center for Global Action.

"That's cool!" he said with a smile. 

Our conversation continued and I explained how earlier I felt like the Lord had prompted me to ask about his mother. He shared that she wasn't doing well and has taken on burdens what weren't hers to carry. I asked if I could pray for her and he obliged. 

In the middle of the Verizon store I prayed for peace over his mother and a release of the things that had been weighing her down.

When I looked up he explained that there was definitely a shift, he felt lighter, and knew things were looking up for his mom.

"I think you've helped me more than I've helped you today." he shared thankfully.

Grateful for the opportunity to share Christ's love, I couldn't help but think of how often I miss hearing the Lord because I'm focused on a task and not the plan HE has for my day. 

So I guess what He's asking all of us is "Can you hear me now?"