Disappointment is sometimes a great gift.
Great reflection happens in the shadow of disappointment.
The purest form of opportunity beckons in the shadow of disappointment.
And a great choice dances in and out of the shadows of disappointment.
The Christian Book Expo of 2009 was not at all what I hoped it would be. Or was it? My prayer is always that I will remember to look on the fringe of my carefully planned days to recognize God's unexpected appointments.
And boy were they abundant this weekend.
Our waitress named Petra who hugged me and thanked me for calling her by name. Her arms were frail, her face drawn, and her heart in need of being noticed.
Tom, the doorman, who couldn't wait to show me the Bible he carries in his back pocket. The back cover was chewed apart by his beloved dog. He likes the book of John.
The lady named Jenna whose car was damaged in a recent hit and run. She'd prayed about getting extra hours at work this week and got more hours than she's ever gotten. She couldn't wait to share this news with someone, anyone.
And Jason, the barista, who'd just been laid off from his career as a buyer for a high end department store. I dont' know what he thought of me telling him I'd be praying for him, but I do know he seemed eager to talk about something other than a coffee order.
Had there been the expected crowds of people at CBE '09, I probably would have missed out on some or all of these conversations. And that would have been the more tragic of endings.
If disappointment, makes me think less of myself and more of God- more of others, than I choose to see it as a fine gift. A gift worthy to be enjoyed, celebrated, and embraced.
So, when I walked on stage on Friday night and saw 300 people sitting in a sea of 5,000 chairs, I didn't feel the emptiness. I didn't hear the echo. I wasn't distracted by the disappointment. For I knew in my heart that this was such a small part of a day already filled to the brim with assignments from God.
And that made me smile.
Oh yes, and for those of you who read here regularly you'll be happy to know I didn't tee tee when I met Henry.
I hugged him and thanked him for teaching me how to experience God.
Great reflection happens in the shadow of disappointment.
The purest form of opportunity beckons in the shadow of disappointment.
And a great choice dances in and out of the shadows of disappointment.
The Christian Book Expo of 2009 was not at all what I hoped it would be. Or was it? My prayer is always that I will remember to look on the fringe of my carefully planned days to recognize God's unexpected appointments.
And boy were they abundant this weekend.
Our waitress named Petra who hugged me and thanked me for calling her by name. Her arms were frail, her face drawn, and her heart in need of being noticed.
Tom, the doorman, who couldn't wait to show me the Bible he carries in his back pocket. The back cover was chewed apart by his beloved dog. He likes the book of John.
The lady named Jenna whose car was damaged in a recent hit and run. She'd prayed about getting extra hours at work this week and got more hours than she's ever gotten. She couldn't wait to share this news with someone, anyone.
And Jason, the barista, who'd just been laid off from his career as a buyer for a high end department store. I dont' know what he thought of me telling him I'd be praying for him, but I do know he seemed eager to talk about something other than a coffee order.
Had there been the expected crowds of people at CBE '09, I probably would have missed out on some or all of these conversations. And that would have been the more tragic of endings.
If disappointment, makes me think less of myself and more of God- more of others, than I choose to see it as a fine gift. A gift worthy to be enjoyed, celebrated, and embraced.
So, when I walked on stage on Friday night and saw 300 people sitting in a sea of 5,000 chairs, I didn't feel the emptiness. I didn't hear the echo. I wasn't distracted by the disappointment. For I knew in my heart that this was such a small part of a day already filled to the brim with assignments from God.
And that made me smile.
Oh yes, and for those of you who read here regularly you'll be happy to know I didn't tee tee when I met Henry.
I hugged him and thanked him for teaching me how to experience God.
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