One year ago today I was in Georgia about to take off and travel the world serving the Lord. I remember it all felt so surreal. It was a little uncomfortable leaving family, friends and a life that I knew so well. I had no idea what was coming. Little did I know how much I’d learn and be stretched in the months ahead. What a blessing!
I am home now and when I think about all the adventures God took me on and lessons I have learned, I just smile. It was an incredible year of my life that I will never forget.
It is comfortable being home I have come to learn. I have a bed to sleep in, clean water from the tap, people around me that I can actually speak to and understand what they are saying, a job that will provide income, and most importantly, my family is all within driving distance of me.
This morning I questioned myself thinking, is comfort something that I want to pursue? Have I settled with being “comfortable?” On The Race we were constantly brought out of our comfort zones. Traveling to a whole new culture every month was uncomfortable. Our teams would continue to push us to be uncomfortable. I learned that when we are uncomfortable we grow. Also it opens the door for God to move. I never want to get to a place where I am ok with being ok. I always want to be in pursuit of God, not comfort.
With that thought, I began my day. I was trying to make it to the missions festival’s “Meet your Missionary” at my church this morning. (After that I would go to the regular service.) I was running right on time until I got in my truck and realized that the little red dial was nearly over the big E. It looked like I was going to miss this event at church in order to fill up my tank with gas. Boo.
So I drove into town and pulled off and headed for the Kwik Trip gas station. I was a little bummed that I was going to miss the event. As I made my way there I felt a stir in my heart.
“Talk to someone”
Usually gas station trips are all about speed, trying to fill up in a hurry, so you can get on your way. Well, at least I know that is how I am most of the time. Today was different. Since I was too early for the actual church service to start, I had time to “talk to someone.”
If you know me very well you’ll know it takes a lot of courage for me to just talk to someone. I may not seem like it, but I get nervous. So the thought of talking to someone at the gas station made me a little uncomfortable. Who do I talk to? What do I say? What if they blow me off? These are all questions that ran through my mind as I neared Kwik Trip.
As I pulled in, I noticed a man sitting at the picnic table outside in front all by himself. I choose him. So I began to pump gas, all the while trying to figure out what I was going to say to this man.
He had a t-shirt and pants on. He was a little gray up top, and looked a little rough on the edges. His hair was long and he had a cane sitting next to him. This might sound creepy, but I watched him as I pumped my gas. He just sat there watching traffic. Inside I was wishing that he’d get up and walk away, then I wouldn’t have to “talk” to him.
Click.
My tank was full. Time to do the thing that made me uncomfortable. I got in my truck, started it up, slowly drove over to the picnic table, turned of the motor and opened my door. Yep, I was really doing this.
“Hi there! How are you today?!”
He looked at me with a smile, “Alright.”
I sit down across from him and said, “That’s good. Beautiful morning huh? (pause) What’s your name?”
“Jim”
“Well, it’s nice to meet you Jim, my name is Paige.”
He just smiled at me and then turned his attention back to the road, watching cars go by.
“I saw you sitting here alone and thought you might want company.”
Looking my way he gave a smile, took a sip from his Green Bay Packers mug and focused his eyes on the road again.
I just sat there with him, I thought of things I could say but I think my new friend enjoyed the silence. So we just sat there, watching traffic. He took a final sip from his mug and started to shift. He got to his feet, grabbed his cane and hobbled towards the door of the store.
He paused for a brief moment and said, “Have a good day.”
“You too!” I said.
Then it was just me. I began to pray for my new friend Jim. I didn’t know what Jim needed, so I just prayed a blessing over him. After my prayer I got in my truck and headed to church.
The whole encounter was a little awkward for me. It didn’t go how I expected. It seemed nothing really happened. My only concern or prayer was that perhaps Mr. Jim experienced the love of the Father through me. If he felt loved, that is all that mattered. Even if it came at the cost of my discomfort.
Tears came to my eyes as I thanked God for using me in this way today. I got to love his people. It was small, it was simple, I didn’t have to run 15 miles, or speak in front of an auditorium full of people. I just said hi and sat down with someone. Being in the middle of God’s will is easy. Just be Him where you are. And where you are doesn’t matter, there are people everywhere that need to feel His love.
Even though living in America is comfortable. You can seek out those things that make you uncomfortable and step out in faith. God will always be there to meet you. And who knows, you might just make a new friend.
