INTERRUPTED IN WAL-MART

I wanted to write this blog outside the isolated environment of my office, so I could respond to the activities of people. I am at MacDonald’s in Wal-Mart. Watching people enter and exit makes me wonder what people are looking for on the way in, and whether or not they found what they think they need on their way out. If they found it, how long will the feeling of satisfaction really last.

As I write, an elderly lady interrupted me and asked me if I knew anyone who could help her learn how to use the Internet. I suppose she saw me working on my laptop and assumed I knew something about computers.

After a brief conversation, she willingly opened her heart. She shared with me about her husband passing away and about her Jewish upbringing. In the conversation I told her I was a pastor. After talking for a few more minutes, she asked me if she could come to “my church” some time. I assured her she would be welcomed.

When she walked away, my mind immediately rewound to the words I read Sunday morning. “For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:22 NIV) With that thought, a question came to my mind: “What is it in my life that might possibly draw people to Christ? Knowing myself well, my immediate response was “probably nothing.” As this dear lady walked away, she turned and said, “I appreciate your warm smile, and I would want to go to a church where the pastor smiles.” Then she walked away.

I am so grateful that God let me write this blog in Wal-Mart, because He graciously allowed me encourage a person He created and deeply loves. Even in my imperfection, God used me.

BE A RISING STAR

I hope this year we can be, “a rising star.” When people approach us, we can effectively show them the love of Christ so they too can come and adore Him. In the back of my mind I remember the songs we sang in our worship Sunday, especially the Christmas carol. The chorus is probably one of the best-known lyrics in our culture:

“Oh come let us adore HIM,Oh come let us adore HIM,Oh come let us adore HIM,Christ, the Lord.”

Let me encourage you to adore HIM this week and if you do, you can be a star that rises to reflect what people need most, Christ, the Lord.

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