The sound of restaurant dishes tangling with silverware drowned out the stillness in my heart. On the previous night I had met with an admired Christian author in Tucson and special memories circled in my mind as my hands encircled the coffee cup I was holding. Strangers before that evening, we had come together as one Christ follower with another. A togetherness like no other.
Still, that next morning I was alone. Actually, that's the way I like it much of the time. And on that intentionally planned solo trip, I found myself tucked away in the corner of the restaurant while the sun beckoned to me from the window on the other side. A gentleman next to me, sharing the cushioned bench seating, shifted his weight causing my small frame to temporarily go airborne. I chuckled to myself but really it only increased my sense of isolation and insignificance. And then he dared to speak. He asked about the breakfast. "Good", I answered quickly but like a cockroach returned to my darkened corner. And then there was silence as he settled in for the long wait to be served his breakfast.
And now, I wonder. Did he need to see Jesus in my eyes when I cast only a sideways glance and guarded my own discomfort? And as I safely hid in obscurity, did I not cloister the very substance of the Gospel - caring enough about another to put aside my own comfort? Do I not know that in a routine moment, God can change a life? I am tired of not seeing into eyes. I think He wants more from me than that.
My new friend in Tucson made herself available to a stranger. We shared face to face.
Together.
Should I offer another anything less ?
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Hi, Barbara!
ReplyDeleteI'm joining you from over at 5 Minute Friday. I love your honesty in this post, and I often leave a situation feeling exactly the same. I am a Christian...a believer in Christ, but do I always show it in my words and actions? Shamefully, no.