I just made a new friend named Dean. Dean is a middle-aged man with a friendly face who actually listens when God is telling him to go talk to someone.  And tonight, that someone was me. 

 

My friend Aaron and I were sitting in Dunkin Donuts, minding our own business and talking about different worship styles, when Dean approached us.  Somehow he naturally joined in the conversation and introduced himself, and I invited him to pull up a chair.  In the span of probably no more than twenty minutes or so, Aaron had talked about his life as a pilot and the challenge of finding a new church, I had shared about The World Race (with which Dean was already familiar), and Dean had shared about the most difficult part of his life and how God pulled him out of it by drawing him into college student ministry.  Before he went back to his own table, Dean said he’d like to pray for us, so we bowed our heads and listened as he prayed for us to know God more, to be protected from the enemy, and to learn what it means to pray without ceasing.  It was so wonderful!  He told us that we were his fourth “appointment” today.

 

As I think about it, I’m realizing that this guy just demonstrated exactly what it is I want to practice on the Race, and perhaps even more importantly, to do after the Race is over.  This is what we’re supposed to be doing!  Be aware of the people around us.  Approach strangers when you feel that nudge.  Find common ground with people.  Engage in conversation.  Pray! 

 

Dean just showed me exactly what it means to be an everyday Christian, one who trusts the sovereignty of God enough to relax and just follow.  So Dean, if you happen to find this blog, thanks.  Thanks for listening to God, and for listening to me. 🙂