He was just sitting there. Almost motionless, he looked off into the distance, blinking periodically and looking very much at peace.

“Ah, he drives me crazy,” the woman next to him said.

I was visiting a local nursing home early one morning and came into the great room, a large room with a high ceiling and huge windows.

The residents often gather there right after breakfast. There are no televisions, no music, just quiet reflection.

Visitors often spend time with their loved ones in this spot away from all the traffic in the hallways.

I introduced myself to the only two people there. The woman smiled and said hello and the man barely raised his left hand to acknowledge me.

“He does this every morning,” she explained. “We hurry through our meal so that he has time to sit here quietly before the rest arrive.”

I discovered that they were married and decided life would be easier for both of them if they lived in a residence where someone would always be around.

“Well, I guess he…” I was interrupted by the woman.

“He calls it “A. F. I” she explained.

“A.F.I.? What is that?” I asked.

“Awaiting further instructions,” she said.

There was an awkward silence.

Then suddenly he sat up, looked at me and smiled.

“I know what you’re thinking. No, I’m not an alien from space,” he said and began laughing.

“You are to me,” his wife added.

“It’s like prayer time. I don’t like to get into my day without checking in with the Big Guy,” he said. “Sitting quietly helps me to better understand what my day ahead will be like.”

“So, God wakes you up, and then you wait for further instructions,” I said.

“That’s it,” he replied.

“What did He tell you today?” I asked.

“He said some nice man would visit with us this morning.”

“Ah, you’re crazy!” His wife added with a smile.

“He said you’d say that, too!” The man added.

We all laughed and had a wonderful talk about growing up in faith.

Think about how significant that idea really is and try it this week. Find a time early in your day to just sit quietly and listen.

All too often our conversations with God are like a grocery shopping list of things we want. Why not listen to what He wants and has planned for your day?

If anyone asks what you are doing just tell them, ” AFI. I’m awaiting further instructions.”

Bob Perks iwishyouenough@aweber.com