I have been reading Laurie Beth Jones book, "Jesus: Life Coach." In one of the chapters called "Be Seen." She  begins by telling the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19:1-5. Jesus basically says, "Hey Man, I see you! Come on down and let's get to know each other." Laurie shares several stories of how people have come to know God is with them. One of folks has an agreement with God that God will send white butterflies. Another woman asks God to show her a penny. I won't share more. You'll just have to buy the book.
Last weekend I was getting ready for our confirmation retreat as I mentioned in my previous post. I had read the chapter about being seen and kind of offered up, "Ok God, you know I am going through some rough waters. If you could find a way to share with me smiles from people that would be great." Well the retreat was all smiles! Seven and eighth graders chasing each other in tag and having a blast.
I started the week with good vibes but trying to help a church turnaround is not easy. I quickly got hit with several things because people want a leader that tells them what to do not help them figure it out. As I moved through the week I felt my energy waxing and waining. I spent time today getting things done around the house which I have been putting off for too long. Then I needed to head to the office. My office and the church are in walking distance to my home. Not in my typical garb for the office, jeans and tshirt, I got in my office, stopped at the church and then proceeded home. As I was, I noticed a white station wagon trying to park on courthouse square as I crossed the street. As I approached the car walking on the sidewalk, A gentleman got out and shouted, "How are you Pastor?" That happens every now and then in this small town. But I did not know or remember this man. We shook hands and I asked how he was. "Well, I have been out for seventeen months and I remember how you always came and talked to us." This man was one of the inmates I see every month to lead worship in the county jail. He told me he was working and clean and going to meetings. He was spreading his resume around to see if he could get a better job. He told me he was doing well. I told him it was great to see him and I would be in prayer for him.
Wow!!!
As I walked away I said, "Okay God....Ya got me..You see me and are with me." While I will remember the smiles of our confirmation class for a long time, the smile and conversation from this young man getting his life turned around, meant so much more today. Because it was from God. Maybe that is what we all need to do. We need to covenant with God about when we need to be seen through his eyes. Maybe we need to pick something that we know will put us back on our heels. Something that then gives us the continued courage to move forward. I half-heartedly asked God for smiles thinking this was kind of silly. But God showed me that even the smallest gesture, a smile, at the most unexpected time from the most unexpected person, can remind us Zacchaeuses of the world to hear that still small voice from God: "I see you and I love you." I found my courage today through God smiling at me today....how about you? What has God put before you to let you know you are seen and loved?