my monday

I'm finding that things that used to feel unique, or I didn't know how to address, have become normal.

For instance on Monday, I went in early to the coffee shop the read before I clocked in. As I walked in, a crowd of regulars greeted me w/ smiles and waves. After getting a drink I sat down at a table and read from my Bible.
As a regular found his seat (at the table next to me), he leaned over and asked, "What are you reading there, some sort of dictionary?"
"No," I said, w/ a smile, "it's my Bible."
"Oh," he said, looking a bit surprised, "is it for personal study, or something else?"
"Yeah, I'm reading in preparation for studying w/ some friends tonight."
"So you're a Christian?!?"
"Yeah, I am."
"Oh, well that's interesting," he said, more to himself that to me, and turned around.

During my shift, making coffee, I was greeted with many different folks, most of whom I know by name. One regular came in, obviously very excited. She told me that she and her partner had just filed for their domestic partnership w/ the state. These 2 ladies have been together for 20+ years, and they were in the coffee shop to celebrate. Next, another woman came up and asked what she should do, as a Christian, in giving her cousin advise on an ethical issue. Then after a regular denied being pickup for a future date from her old boyfriend, I chatted w/ her about love and relationships and aging. All in a day's work at the Firehouse.

Walking home, I prayed for our Bible study and for the Lord to lead our time and give us wisdom. Coming inside our home, K8, Montana, and a friend were looking at photos. It's cool to come home, knowing someone dropped in to hang out. I could smell the good soup, that another friend made, warming on the stove. Soon our home was filled w/ friends eating and drinking, laughter, and kids screaming. As 7:15p approached, we setup a computer in the bedroom for the kids to watch a video. The adults slowly gathered in our living room. We opened up our time praying for the concerns of each other. Then we took turns reading Acts 18 (the night's chapter for discussion), and then shared observations or questions we had from the text. And as usual a rabbit trail of awesome discussion is followed. On Monday, two rabbit trails lasted. The first was how to handle the undeserved grace that we receive, even when we know we deserve so much less. The second was encouraging each other to embrace the mystery of God, even as we desire to know more and have "things figured out." It was an intense evening of grace and raw humanity colliding. We then gathered again in prayer, holding hands. This was followed be more food and drink, until folks left. God answered the prayer of leading and wisdom.

These different things that happened Monday used to be unique, but are now par for the course. The course being one of the best I've ever played. I am thankful for my friends/family, that God has blessed our family w/, from the coffee shop to our weekly groups. May He be brought glory through all our lives.