:: another simple moment

This morning I had to make my way to Irving to help my son start the car he was driving. No big deal. Life is full of adventures and this was just another moment to be a loving dad to my oldest son. Before heading to Irving (TX) I stopped at the Firestone in Crowley (TX) to get a slow leaking tire fixed. I was the only customer there at 9am so I took advantage of the time and entered into a simple conversation. We went through all the pleasantries of checking the car in and stuff. Here’s what I remember:

Me: So, Ben, you were on vacation. How was your time away?
Ben: Man, it was soooo goooood, but I worked the whole time.
Me: Ben, it was a vacation. Why were you working?
Ben: Well, I went to visit my sister in Louisiana up close to Minden. You know where that’s at?
Me: You bet I do. My wife is from Minden.
Ben: I was just north of there spending time with my sister and working in the oil fields.
Me: Was it a good visit?
Ben (choked up): I didn’t want to come back. You know? Everyday I was there she made me some good country cookin’ and there was always biscuits. She makes the best biscuits.
Me: So you miss home?
Ben: Not really.
Me: You miss family, don’t you?
Ben (choked up): I do. My sister and I are close, but not like they are in Arkansas, if you know what I mean. (grins big and laughs)
Me (chuckling): So, Ben, where do you see your life going? What do you think is your purpose.
Ben: You know, I need to think about that question. Maybe when you come back for new tires we can talk about it then.
Me: You’re a good salesman, but most importantly you’re on. I’d be more than honored to talk about life with you.
Ben: Same here. Nobody’s ever asked me what my purpose is in life. I really need to think about that real hard.

Then customers started coming in and our conversation ended. My heart is joyous today, as it was yesterday. As simple conversation that led to future conversations. Even if they don’t the seed is planted and he’s thinking about his life.

What did I learn? Ben had a story to tell. In the midst of his story I could sense he wanted to ask me something, or say something at a deeper level. He was also listening, as was I for that moment. This was a simple moment, or as my friend Pam Toole says, “Simple moment in man’s eye.” The Spirit sees deeper and loves better than I can. Pray I have the next conversation with Ben. It could be the life changer.

:: simple moment

Saturday was a wonderful day. My youngest son and I had a great 20 mile ride down the back roads into town with and against gusting winds. That in itself was a great and simple moment because he pushed me to keep pedaling.

Here is a some simple moment that I encountered on our ride:

We stopped at a gas station to get some Powerade. We were pouring the Powerade into our water bottles and as I threw the empty bottles in the garbage can a guy in a pickup truck says to me, “I got a lot of respect for you guys. It takes heart and commitment to stay healthy and do what you’re doing.” This dude was probably in his late 50s and weighed 300lbs+. I said, “Dude, you can do this. Anyone can do this if they put their heart into it.” He said, “Really? How could I? Look at me.” My reply was, “Start on a stationary bike and get used to being on a bike. Learn to use the bike and all its features. Next thing you know you’ll be healthier. You may be out here with us someday.” He smiled and thanked me.

Simple conversation? Sure. The thing is the dude had teary eyes throughout the conversation. I don’t know what was going on with him. It’s possible it was that someone believed he could get healthy, or that someone spoke to him with true care and concern. I tried to discern the situation and all I know is that it spoke to my heart. I sensed the Spirit doing a simple work in that conversation. I failed to get the dude’s name, but I prayed for him as we rode away. My prayer was that he would encounter the Lord in his new confidence to get healthy. Also, that whatever was wearing heavy on his heart would be lifted by the Spirit.

We can speculate and imagine what caused him to get teary eyed. My heart tells me he was struggling with something concerning himself and maybe family. See, there are people around us who are living in defeat. Sometimes a word of encouragement can give them the confidence and hope they need for the next challenge. Our words might talk people out of something dreadful and into something hopeful. Life’s challenges are always before us and how we respond to them says a lot about us, our relationship with Christ and our relationship with humanity.

What did I learn? To see people through the eyes of Jesus and to love always.