A few days ago, I booked a private-hire car, like Uber, to get to a dinner appointment. As soon as I got into the car, I noticed the driver’s eyes were partly closed. I’m not exaggerating—I kept glancing at him in the rearview mirror, especially at his eyes. Every now and then, he would lift his head, as if trying to see more clearly through his narrowed gaze—or at least that’s what I assumed. There was nothing wrong with his driving skills, but I was concerned about whether he could see the oncoming traffic clearly with his half-shut eyes. I started thinking—if this is his daily job, then his safety, as well as his passengers’, is crucial. Instead of continuing to worry, I said a prayer for him. Immediately after I prayed, a sense of peace washed over me. I was no longer bothered by his eyes. Then, I heard a still, small voice reminding me that I don’t choose my surroundings in my everyday ministry opportunities. It may seem random and far outside my comfort zone, but it is my availability and willingness in those moments that can make a real difference.

“He is the Lord; let him do what is good in his eyes” (1 Samuel 3:18, NIV).

A Persian fable says:

One day a wanderer found a lump of clay

So savory of sweet perfume,

Its odors scented all the room.

“What are you?” was his quick demand,

“Are you some gem from Samarkand,

Or pure nard in this plain disguise,

Or other costly merchandise?”

“No, I am but a lump of clay.”

“Then whence this wondrous perfume—say!”

“Friend, if the secret I disclose,

I have been dwelling with the rose.”

Sweet parable! and will not those

Who love to dwell with Sharon’s rose,

Distill sweet odors all around,

Though low and poor themselves are found?

Dear Lord, abide with us that we

May draw our perfume fresh from Thee.

May our lives radiate the sweet fragrance of the Lord to everyone we encounter today!