I remember years ago when my car was in the shop being repaired. It practically took all day to be fixed, but I used the time to read a book about ministry, written by one of my favorite authors. I personally met the writer years before in California at a clergy conference. I was really impressed with his gentle and compassionate manner. He had been a real pastors’ pastor and had a lifetime of congregational wisdom, as well as relevant church experiences which resonated and connected with other ministers like me.
Anyway, I was sitting in the shop reading this book, looking at a chapter on reaching out to other people. Sitting beside me was a young man, who noticed that my book bag had “History Book Club” imprinted on it. He turned out to be a history graduate from UT called Eric, whose grandparents had emigrated from Jamaica. His area of specialization was in World War II and when I asked him why he chose that era, he told me that his uncle had been a Tuskegee airman in North Africa and Italy.
We talked for about two hours, sharing our life stories, cultural backgrounds, and historical interests. It was one of the best conversations that I have ever had. We both felt completely at ease with one another.
And then a news story on the television in the waiting area interrupted our conversation. It was all about a popular radio host, who made an appalling insult concerning a ladies college basketball team. Students, administrators, and teachers at the college were staging a protest, calling for the radio personality to be fired from his TV/radio station. Some commentators were talking about vengeance and vanity; others were mentioning forgiveness and fair play. It was a hostile and divisive situation which was being instantly broadcast on the car showroom television.
Eric and I looked at each other.
“So long as
we keep talking together, we can overcome these issues,” I said.
“So long as we have dialogue, we’ll always respect each other,” Eric replied.
We continued our great conversation and filled the rest of the day with hope, not hatred.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for
the people we meet, the sharing of stories, and the mixing of cultures. Thank
You for the varieties of experiences that we all have, which enrich our lives
and enhance unity, purpose, and faith. Bless all whom we encounter this week,
and may we discover new ideas, new lessons, and new lives that will touch our
hearts, strengthen our souls, and broaden our minds. In Your Holy Name, we
pray. Amen.
God bless
you all.
Pastor John
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