Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
Matthew 6:25-26
Another morning at the Bistro
This morning, I have been shown grace again by the One who knows all my needs and the One who knows all my greatest longings and desires. As I awoke this morning my greatest longings, that are still unmet, anchored themselves to my heart, and a heavy weight took place. But God, like He so often does, gave me a little nudge this morning to remind me of His immeasurable love for me once again.
This nudge came in one of the sweetest of ways. As soon as I received His reminder of love for me, a door was opened to a wonderland full of further reminders.
I was studying for class this morning at my work place, Stewart’s Bistro. For many it seems odd that I would spend my time at my work place on one of the few days I have off. However, it’s irresistible… because the people I love so much are here.
Working for the Bistro has been one of my greatest honors in life!
God is moving
I am moved to write about this place and people I love so much because of God reminding me of His provision. While trying to keep my spending low this morning a co-worker, Laura, bought my breakfast while I was unaware…
You know there are times when God is quiet, times when you wonder whether He hears your or not. But something so simple like this reminds me HE KNOWS ME. He knows what I need. He knows what I want. From this gesture I then entered a wonderland where evidences of grace flooded my mind accompanied by scripture, and I cannot hold back from praising God because of it.
He is worthy of praise!
When I was disappointed by previous jobs, and had begun to believe that no job would ever be enjoyable, the Bistro fell into my lap. I praise God for His kindness!
In one of my hardest seasons of life the Bistro was where I experienced joy. I praise God for this joy!
To prayers that had seemed unanswered for so long, the Lord gave to me more than I had ever asked for in the Bistro. I praise God for being good at being God!
His Word does not fade
As I was reminded of these things, those words of God stored in my heart were awakened and stirred:
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Psalm 84:11)
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us… (Ephesians 3:20)
A Tribute
To Mrs. Leanne: Your kindness and deep faith that truly comes from the Holy Spirit inside of you, convicts me of ways in which I still need to grow in mirroring Christ. They way you have loved your customers and co-workers displays Christ in more ways than you can imagine.
To Ms. Laura: Your mama bear personality encourages me in so many ways. From the way you work so hard morning and night to provide for your family, to the sweet gestures of love, your ferocity to protect those you love and to fight for justice has inspired me to be bold.
To Anna, Emery and Ellie: I’ve never met more dependable and kind-hearted people than I have in your family. The way you serve and care for others, and the lengths you’ll go to… there is no parallel.
To Tye: You speak my love language so well: words of affirmation. Your compliments mean so much to me and have built me up so many times.
To Ashleigh: My girl! So thankful to be fighting the good fight together, and so thankful to have you at work. It’s been awesome to see you using your creativity and art skills to love people well.
To Hannah: My lady, I love your desire to do good and to see peace. It is evident that that is your heart by how you confront others and interact with them, and it is also very clearly seen in your work ethic as well.
To Maria: You have this enthusiasm that is amazing, and it floods into everything that you do. Your perkiness always spurs me on at work and it truly astounds me.
To Karlee: I’ve got to hand it to ya, Mama! You’re juggling around a lot from raising little Savannah, to being a wife, and working. You have a spirit that’s worth imitating as you are many times slow to speak, and quick to listen.
To Juan: You show kindness to all people regardless of how they treat you. Across the board you are slow to anger and one of the most patient people I have ever met.
To Ethan: I love all of our conversations that we have had about theological and spiritual matters. Your friendship when I first started working here was so helpful in getting accustomed to the Bistro.
To Brendan: You’re one of the coolest cats I know! You teach me all kinds of new lingo daily. But on a more serious note, undoubtedly getting it honest from your Mama, you work so hard for your family. You get so little amount of sleep and yet I’ve never once heard you complain about being tired, and when you’re sick you’ll never fess up to it. I’m so thankful to have you in my life and am truly encouraged by you.
To Anthony: Antonio, no one has ever made me laugh as hard as you have! Your presence really adds to a fun work environment.
There are so many others beyond this that I am truly appreciative of and love deeply.
In light of the World Race
It’s no doubt that when I leave for the World Race in October, saying goodbye to this family and job will be one of the hardest things to do. I’m thankful for how pieces of God’s character have shown through this job and each one of you. Until October comes, I will savor each moment and love you the best I can my dear family.
