It’s beautiful how the stories we tell can come full circle.
Recently, I spoke to my congregation about seeing the face of God in the least among us. To illustrate this point, I shared a story about a woman who receives this letter from God:
“I will be coming over for dinner tonight. Please prepare me something to eat. Love, God.”
Thrilled at the thought of meeting God, she buys a delicious meal, making sure every detail is perfect. As she heads home, though, she comes across a hungry child pleading for help. Initially, she tries to ignore this child and explains that she is on her way to a special dinner. However, moved by compassion after a brief moment of contemplation, she decides to give away the food she had bought for God. That evening, she waited nervously for God to arrive, thinking of how to explain that she just gave away His meal. Did she do the right thing? Would God be upset? However, amidst these anxious thoughts, she receives another letter:
“Thank you for dinner. Love, God.”
The moral of the story?
God is in the least among us.
When we serve them, we also serve Him.
Little did I know that on my second day in Mumbai, this very story would come to life. I was standing at a bustling intersection, still trying to master the art of crossing Mumbai’s chaotic streets, when a small child approached me. “Please, ma’am,” she said, her voice filled with desperation and hope, her tiny feet dusty from the streets. I couldn’t look away. In that moment, I realised this child should have been in school, not on the streets, fighting for survival. Despite being told to ignore her and keep moving, my heart raced, and I felt an overwhelming sensation wash over me that I could not explain. It was so visceral that it left me frozen for a few moments.
As my group crossed the street, I lingered behind to speak to her. Her name was Mahek. I gave her a little something and embraced her before catching up with the rest. When I looked back, she had vanished into the bustling fog of Mumbai’s streets, like a fleeting whisper.
I couldn’t stop thinking about her. The face of this innocent child deeply ingrained into my memory. Was this a test? Was I truly living what I preach? That powerful feeling stayed with me. What was it?
Two days later, while on a train, the answer hit me like a bolt of clarity. That overwhelming sensation I felt when I saw that little girl?
That was God! I had met God through Mahek!
Upon realising this, I immediately felt at peace and said a prayer of gratitude in my heart. God had placed Mahek in my path to remind me that He will be right here with me, guiding me, and protecting me.
One week in Mumbai, and I already feel that God is here, all around me—in the faces of strangers, in moments of kindness, and in fleeting encounters. The city may be noisy, crowded, and chaotic at times, but it’s also filled with the divine—if only we take the time to see it.
I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next, knowing that, no matter what, God is with me. Every day here in India is a chance to see Him in those around me and be transformed by the experience.