On a Mission
It seems a recurrent theme in Pastor Dave and Vikki’s sermons the past year has been the idea of how God wants us to be in relationship with others. Pair that with my enjoyment of a particular local brewery and the results have been quite impactful.
I have joked to some that I do my best “mission work” in the field, well let’s be clear, on a barstool! Don’t get me wrong; I’m not talking about an everyday thing, or boozing it up big time, as it’s usually a one-beer stop for me!
In the past year, I have had conversations with some of the most amazing folks, and they have interestingly enough, all involved their faith. One young dad of three shared the story of his being a freshman at Columbine High School during the mass shooting. When asked about any lasting effects, he somewhat eagerly added he wouldn’t be living a life of faith had he not gone through that day and it’s aftermath. In that same conversation, a man in his 50’s shared that he had been raised a Seventh Day Adventist, but it took a chance meeting (with a Southern Baptist man from Tennessee) while in Israel on a work trip to realize that we all worship and praise the same God, and how beautiful that is! I recently met a middle-aged woman who had just moved to CO from the east coast after a divorce. I presumed that she had family, friends, a job or something that drew her here…but no, she said she just loved CO and had faith that this was where she was meant to be. (I hope she’s right!) Another time, conversation with a man in his 40’s led to both of us talking about how much we loved our respective churches. He said while having grown up Catholic, his family was now happily attending a community church with a strong youth program that his teenagers love. He went on to share that through the twists and turns of life, he and his wife were raising the 5-year-old granddaughter of their pastor. He commented that the situation was a true blessing for all involved, but that if someone had told him 10 years ago what his life would look like now, he never would have believed it.
My husband often times teases me that I talk too much. Maybe he’s right, but I do also like to listen to other people’s stories, and everyone has one! I feel blessed by the opportunity for someone to share what’s on his or her heart, and if that happens to be at the local pub, then so be it!
Gracious and loving God, thank you for opening our eyes and hearts to others’ stories as we walk through our daily lives. Help us to show mercy and offer grace to all the folks we encounter. May the love we know you have for us, shine through to those we meet.
Andrea Heshmati
(I highly recommend the Falling Sky Scottish Ale should you get the chance to visit Barnett & Son Brewery in Parker!)
Posted on Fri, May 4, 2018
by God's Grace Community Church