Don called me today. Our paths have not crossed in several years. It was good to hear from him. His call began my day well. What Don shared reminded me of the mysterious nature of God's immense grace.

Don was at his church not long ago when a fellow named Peter shared his faith journey with the folks gathered there. Peter had been in and out of jail and was living in his car in a Wal-Mart parking lot, listening to, of all things, the Allen Hunt Show. Peter called in to the show where we were discussing the cities ranked as those meanest to the homeless. Peter shared on air his experience of what it is actually like to have no place. No place to retire to at the end of the day. No place to keep one's cherished possessions. No place to depend on for water and shelter. No place at all.

We tried to help Peter, and had no clue what happened after our conversation. We linked him with some folks who could help and prayed that Peter would take the steps to receive that help. Turns out, he did.

Peter had recently gotten out of jail, had a severe substance abuse problem, and was living in his car. Through our connecting him, Peter landed with a ministry that provides housing and job placement assistance as well as detox and counseling, aimed directly at men and women getting out of jail or prison. Peter accepted the help of Good Samaritan ministries.

Now, 9 or 12 months later, Peter has accepted Jesus Christ into his life. Peter is working. Peter is clean and sober. And, best of all, Peter has a place.

And through an odd coincidence of God's grace, Peter was a guest speaker in a church I have never been to, and shared his faith journey with a group of men that included my friend, Don, with whom I have not spoken in several years. Peter mentioned that the journey began in that car, listening to our show. Don simply had to call and share that marvelous news of God's grace.

God is good. One of the old Hebrew ways of naming God seems most appropriate here: He is the Place.