I was in Orange last week dropping our last child off at college. It was a bittersweet time, but she is doing well so far, and though we ask that she keep video blogging, we try to allow her the space she needs to mature.
I was off getting something needed at one of the local stores close to the college, when I stopped in at Wendy's Restaurant (the fast food place) for a small chocolate frosty. While I was there a man who had just received his order made a comment he had been looking for that item on the menu. I told him it was hard to see, since it was on the side of the menu board. I got my frosty and said, "Hey, I will just order another. Take this one." He at first resisted, but then reached for his wallet. I am not a big spender, but I told him it was on me.
I ordered another one, said "Enjoy!" and headed out the door. I felt like I had made a step in the missional direction. I didn't expect big thanks, and knew he could probably afford the $1.09, but since the opportunity was there to share what I had with someone I thought, why not?
When I was at the Missional Preaching Academy in August we talked about the importance of being missional in order to authentically preach missionally. It is nothing new really. You can't really preach only to others. If God, through the Word, is truly workin on you, your preaching must include the things you need to hear as well as what others need to hear. I firmly believe the Holy Spirit takes our words and molds them to fit the needs of those who listen to our preaching, including ourselves.
So I felt, that day, that I was learning how to recognize those opportunities which God gives us to serve others.
How about you? What opportunities have you recognized lately and how have you responded? Let me know at jkpcrandy@sbcglobal.net
This frosty is for you,
Pastor Randy
