Complimentary Story
If you’ve been following my monthly reflections, then you’ve learned that I frequently travel the country in ministry as a missionary pastor and speaker, sharing the gospel through stories and songs. One of the ways God immensely blesses my travels, is through the conversations I have with folks, along with the observations of others, to glean spiritual insights to share in an everyday, plain and simple way, in the stories and songs I write. And I’m deeply grateful to Him for the abundant supply. To me, one of the best things about this traveling life is that I’ve learned where some of the best hot spots are for a consistent renewable source of writing material — and coffee shops have never failed to provide pots of this for me, in a multi-sensory way!
Now I love coffee, strong black coffee and know a good “cup a joe” when I taste one and if you ever want to know where some of the best cups can be found across this country, just ask me. But we’ll save that for another time and I’ll stop meandering and get to the point of this morning’s reflection from a coffee shop in Nashville…
In my years as a senior pastor and pastoral counseling, this is what I’ve learned and am discerning in some conversations and observations today…
The couple in the far back right, definitely appear to have some things to work out. The couple to my left, sitting close by... young, deep in love, full of hope and what the stars are made of. The three men sitting in the booth across from me, Bibles open, deep in discussion, studying a passage. Man at the counter ordering, worried and stressed, by the shortness in the tone of his voice.
These are just a few of the folks in this coffee shop, dealing with the ups, downs and sideways challenges of life. But then, walks in a smile, with a spring in her step, holding mama’s hand…and all the world is light!!
Dutch theologian Henri Nouwen said, “Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come.” And so, Henri’s words are what I have to offer you today, in the midst of the challenges you may be facing. To embrace the grace that each day brings. To have an optimistic, childlike spirit. To watch the way the corners of your mouth turn. To be a light that shines in the darkness. To love others, as you love yourself…because, “This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed His life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God’s love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.” (1 John 3:16-17 MSG.)
So, take a moment to look around you, wherever you are…
Do you see an opportunity to make God’s love, appear or disappear?
Are you so preoccupied with your own challenges that you’re ignoring some brother or sister in need?
Have you lost your shine…your smile?
Just a few thoughts, from the overflowing brim of my cup in a coffee shop, encouraging you…“to wake up and smell the coffee.”
“All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, He brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.” (2 Corinthians 1 : 3-4 MSG).
