Friends and Facemasks

I had a really amazing time in Hong Kong.  I sensed God speaking to me in different ways.  And, happily, one of the ways He spoke, was a joke.

Here's part of an email that I sent to a friend in North Carolina, which summarizes what happened on Thursday, February 23.

"A lot has happened in the past day.  And the theme of all of it was that God considers me His friend.  So, here's one story that I feel confirms that reality.  I'm sharing this one since it's related to you.

I was crossing the Victoria Harbour, right by the YMCA hostel where I stayed all week.  I was about to get on the ferry to go pick up my visa on Hong Kong Island.  I did a double-take, because I saw a vending machine for face masks.

It seemed like such a random thing to have face masks in a vending machine, I started laughing out loud.  I know it's crowded here, and pollution can be a problem, so I understand why some people will wear face masks. But...a vending machine?  For some reason, I thought of buying one for you, just because I thought you would get a kick out of it, too.

But then, I hesitated, thinking it would be a waste of time and money.  Actually, I started to feel really condemned for even thinking about spending money on something so frivolous.  But I continued to pray, and finally, I felt okay about it.   I could see an expression on Christ's face, as though He thought it would be funny, too.  I felt/saw that maybe God can be joyful, "and even jovial," like you said.

Honestly, it was a strange feeling.  I always guilty about spending money, so I was actually surprised that I felt at peace about doing something so "wasteful".

Anyway, I inserted the coin.  And...the coin came back.  But, a face mask fell out.

I tried inserting my coin again.  And...the coin came back, again.  And, another face mask fell out.

Finally, I saw that a coin was stuck inside, and it wouldn't let my coin go in.  So, I pushed against that coin with my coin, and another face mask fell out.  I probably would have kept going, except that a security guard started looking at me, so I got on the ferry.

Anyway, I was thinking, "That was so weird! Why did that just happen, God?"  And it came to me.  I thought it would be funny to give my friend one of those goofy face masks from Hong Kong.  Apparently, Jesus thought it would be funny to give one to His friend, too.

He copied my idea!

Friends do that."