So several weeks ago I was at Starbucks off Gosford and Stockdale and there was an older gentlemen sitting right next to me who seemed to know everyone who walked through. He was a very outgoing guy and I thought to myself I wonder how he knows all these people. I went on with my Bible study and felt The Lord prompt me to talk to him, I answered with "Lord, don't you see I'm studying your Word...besides he probably doesn't want to talk to me right now, and I have an appointment to get to shortly." Nonetheless, I felt The Lord urge me to be on mission, even at Starbucks. So I leaned over and said, "Pardon me sir, can help but notice how you know everyone who comes in. Are you a teacher or coach here in town?"
This began a wonderful discussion with Daniel. The Lord has used my wife to teach me how to be a wonderful listener, and to ask the appropriate questions and the result is usually people being very open to share their life and in many cases pour out their heart. I am still amazed at the depth of conversation I am able to go with people who I naturally don't have a connection with. With Daniel it seemed to mean a lot to him that I was genuinely interested in his life story. I shared with him the future of my family and how we would soon be in Thailand for 10 years. At the end of the conversation he introduced me to a few friends of his who sat close to him. We both promised that we wouldn't be strangers the next time we ran into each other in Starbucks. I was so grateful to Jesus at the opportunity to hear someone's story and share a piece of the journey I'm on with my Lord.
Cecil
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