August 28, 2020
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15
When you work at a church, it’s a blessing every day. It means you get to bring up Jesus with people all the time because let’s be honest—the first question most people ask is, “Where do you work?” Unfortunately, very often the only people you run into are other Christians.
One time, when I was traveling and doing Children’s Ministry, I was in a McDonald’s early in the morning, with a bunch of friends/coworkers, and a woman sat alone in a booth crying. Everything in me wanted to go talk to her, to check on her, to somehow just… be there. To be a lifeline in that lonely booth. But I didn’t. I went in the restroom, and when I came out she was with someone and I had lost my opportunity.
I regret that moment all of the time. But I remember that moment all of the time and daily try to do better. It reminds me of the message printed in big, bold letters on the back wall of the church where I grew up: “You are now entering the mission field.”
So today I ask myself: Who can I speak to, with a smile of encouragement, at the park? Who can I help buy groceries for in line in front of me when they run out of money? Who can I get to have a positive attitude at Dutch Bros? (Oh wait, never mind!) Who can I, hopefully, allow to see a little bit of Jesus in me, today?
Jesus, please remind me every single morning, as soon as I wake up, to listen for your still small voice, showing me who to smile at, speak to, listen to, truly see. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Kelly McKennon