Tom had ducked into Best Buy in Redding, California, while I contentedly seated myself outside on the concrete bench not far from the automatic doors. I opened the deep purple harp case, pulled out my 24-string harp, tuned it and began to play. A homeless man, weathered and muttering softly to himself, came by and put some trash in the can not far from me. He looked over, and we nodded and smiled at each other. Then he shuffled past me along the sidewalk, and I whispered a prayer of blessing over him.
Trucks and cars drove past, and there was a surprising amount of eye contact as people noticed the harp and waved or smiled at me. Occasionally a couple or an individual would enter or exit through the sliding glass Best Buy doors. Most looked over and broke into hasty smiles as they heard the music but kept on walking. One young man looked over as he approached the doors, stopped, looked over at me and called, “I’ll see you when I come out!” “OK!” I cried back.
Then came the Best Buy break time. Several workers emerged and immediately headed the other way down the sidewalk, perhaps to get a coffee or have a smoke. Then a young black employee emerged looking more pensive, less purposeful. She was tall and relaxed, and looked over at me and gave me a friendly “Hi”.
“Hi!” I called. “Hey, would you like me to play a song just for you?”
“For ME?” she asked, considering for a moment. I nodded. “Sure! Yes,” she said, coming closer.
“OK, now wait a second. I just want to listen for the song that’s you.”
She stood there with a pleased, expectant look on her face as I turned my attention to the harp. Then I started to play and created a song for her that I’d never be able to repeat. It was just for that moment, and we were on an adventure together – two strangers linked by melodies and harmonies from heaven. When the music ended, I looked over at her, smiling. There was a pregnant pause, then she looked right at me, slightly dazed, and said, “That song really was me!” I thought so, but then I didn’t know her. It was great to have her confirmation. “Thanks,” then glancing at her watch, “Got to go back in now,” she said regretfully as she turned and re-entered the store.
Right afterwards the young man who said he’d be back emerged from the building and walked briskly over. I gave him a personal song as well, and we talked for a moment about what he was doing in Redding. To my surprise, he invited me to receive a free wine tasting at the vineyard where he works in exchange for a little harp playing. Tom soon joined us and the invitation was extended to him as well as we chatted some more about Mosely Family Cellars. Finally we parted ways, savoring the thought that we’d see each other again soon.
All in all, I guess waiting for Tom in front of Best Buy was a lot more about waiting on the Lord.