The Diswasher Dude:

Luke 21:14-15
¹⁴But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. ¹⁵For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
A couple posts ago I wrote about being an "active" Christian.  Lately, I have been challenged to be real about my faith, to see it as a part of my every day life, to integrate it in all that I say and do particularly in my interactions with others.  Let me tell you, this has not been an easy task.

I have a tendency to view being a Christian as an extracurricular thing.  I guess what I mean by this, is that I tend to wait until the opportune, designated times to really allow God to overflow from my life.  Mission trips, church out reach, ministry days, etc.

But the challenge for me has been allowing this attitude to permeate every part of my life.  I have had to keep this idea at the front of my concious for me to make any strides in this area.  But God is honoring my attempts...

The other day we had our dishwasher fixed by this young 21 year old dude.  He was just starting out in the field but he was a very social, likable young man.  My typical nature would be to say hello, be polite, show him to the dishwasher and then let him do his thing.  But this time was a little different.  I decided to invest a little bit more and be deliberate about sharing God's love. 

Turns out this young man was waiting for that.  After a series of mini conversations, we ended up talking about faith.  "So, with all these thoughts you shared- do you have any spiritual beliefs?" 

"You mean, like religion?" He asked.

"Yah...."

"I do...kinda.  I'm Catholic.  But to be honest, I don't really believe it. How can you believe in something that doesn't really make any sense?"

He went on to explain some of the dilemmas he has with faith.  For example, how can there be one Adam and one Eve- yet hundreds and thousands of races, colors and ethnicities.  It didn't make sense to him. 

We chatted for a while.  I didn't answer his questions- but I commended him for asking them.  It takes courage and honesty to question things.  But I challenged him to seek out the answers.  I reminded him that through the questions, at the end of the day the most important thing is having a relationship with God- no matter how many questions we choose to ask.

I gave him a book to read and my email address- and asked him to get back to me with any thoughts or questions.  After I wished him luck on his spiritual journey- he thanked me sincerely....and then was off to his next task.

I don't know if I'll ever hear from this young man again, though I pray that I do.  I don't know if he'll pick up the book and read it, or if he'll even remember our conversation.  But one thing I do know- I allowed God to use my voice and give me the words to speak.  I allowed Him to come down to earth and attempt to make contact with one of His beloved children.  I allowed Him to make me a vessel for His use...and through it, to change me.  To give me a sensitivity for others around me.  To grant me the courage to speak and the words to say.  To be an active Christian.

So, this week, I challenge you and myself to do the same.  Wherever you go, whoever you run into- take the time to look beyond their superficial hello and dig deeper into their lives and hearts.  There is always something there.  There is always a need...and deep down, we are all made with an intense desire to connect with something Greater than ourselves.  Lead them into that. 

Allow God to use you.  Even with the Dishwasher Dude.