I’ve been told that I act as though I’ve never met a stranger. If we were created in the likeness and image of God as the Bible says in Genesis, Chapter 26, we really aren’t strangers.

I love to meet new people and usually take the initiative to introduce myself.  

Saturday before last at PJ’s Coffee Shop in LaPlace, I noticed a couple that I had never seen before. I walked over to where they were sitting, smiled and introduced myself. Because of their spirit, I immediately knew that they were people who would be exciting to know.

Sean and Celeste Shields were from Hammond. Sean is the girls’ basketball coach at Loranger High School, and Beth is an attorney at the Seale & Ross Law Firm.  

In the course of our conversation, I asked Sean if he yelled a lot at practice and at ball games. He didn’t have time to answer as Beth immediately said he did. I told Sean I would like to address his team before the season starts. He agreed maybe we could work that out.

Beth is a pretty young lady, with a great disposition and pleasant to be with.

Before they left, I asked for their address with the intention of sending them a daily spiritual booklet.  

As I left, I thought, “What a great way to start a day by getting to know two of God’s favorites!”

This past Saturday, I was pleasantly surprised to not only see Sean and Beth, but also to meet Sean’s mother, Diane, who is a librarian at St. Francis Xavier School in Metairie, and their two daughters, Madyson and Ava, with their friend, MacKenzie.  

I found out they were in LaPlace because the girls are on a South Louisiana swimming team, and they practice at Belle Terre Country Club. I thought Ms. Diane and I hit it off pretty good until the age issue came up. She never did reveal her age, but I said I was 80. With a slight sarcastic grin, she said, “I didn’t know LaPlace was that old!”    

As we were leaving, Ms. Diane told me she had another son beside Sean. “Which do you like the most?” I asked. She didn’t answer, so I assumed it was the other one.

All joking aside, God just showed me again that one of his greatest gifts is the people we meet on our journey to eternity.  

Sean and his family are Christians. Being made in the image and likeness of God is the reason they weren’t strangers.

 

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477 or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.