For the first time in my life yesterday, I had a friend come to me and say: "I am getting baptized. You have no idea the impact you have made on my spiritual life. You are a huge reason why I am here, right now."
I didn't know what to say. I really had never, ever heard those words before. I wracked my brain trying to figure out when and where I had really intentionally poured into this woman.
And the only thing I could come up with was our evening chats at the gym. We had a mutual friend who introduced us, so we were not incredibly close. But I would run into Erin at the gym and we would run together.
I was born with scoliosis. Which developed as I grew up and kept my heart and lungs from growing at a normal rate. Two years ago I started training to develop my lung capacity. And running was the most efficient way to do that.
So I would fall into step beside Erin. And we would run. She would talk the whole time. About growing up Catholic. About how she felt she had always had the Holy Spirit in her. About how she loved Jesus. These conversation turned into conversations about serving. There was one night we had to stop running (because I had something to say and I couldn't run and talk at the same time) because she had a question about baptism.
I remember telling her that Christ followers get baptized because Jesus did. If that was the only reason, that was good enough for me. That baptism was an outward expression of a confession. By allowing ourselves to die to the world and be resurrected spiritually, we were offering ourselves. Accepting a gift.
I don't know where those words came from. That's for sure.
And I didn't really know the impact they had.
A year and a half later, Erin and I serve side by side in the same urban ministry in the east end of Lexington. She has phenomenal leadership skills and a teachable spirit. Which, in my opinion, is the best combo ever.
And on Sunday morning… she is getting baptized.
In the book of John, Jesus tells his disciples "You do not realize now what I am doing; but later you will understand."
I am beginning to realize the truth in this.
This morning I am overwhelmed (and comforted) with the realization that God uses us. Whether we are aware of it or not.
So be available today.
Let the Spirit move through you. And speak for you.
Because your ministry is not about your strength. Or your words.
It's about Who is living and moving and breathing and growing inside of your heart.
It's about the light that's pouring from your eyes.
You'll understand later.
