As a Pastor, my life is filled with so many random and interesting moments.
One day a few weeks ago, I spoke at a Senior Living Retirement home in the morning, to daycare elementary kids in the afternoon and cool hip 20 somethings in the evening.
On another day I collected donated baby diapers in the morning and delivered donated packages of women's underwear to the OC Rescue Mission in the afternoon.
I regulary have coffee with business professionals, college students, engaged couples, divorced Dad's and everything in-between. I love being a Pastor in Orange County!
By far one of the most interesting highlights of my Pastoral life came last week...
One day a few weeks ago, I spoke at a Senior Living Retirement home in the morning, to daycare elementary kids in the afternoon and cool hip 20 somethings in the evening.
On another day I collected donated baby diapers in the morning and delivered donated packages of women's underwear to the OC Rescue Mission in the afternoon.
I regulary have coffee with business professionals, college students, engaged couples, divorced Dad's and everything in-between. I love being a Pastor in Orange County!
By far one of the most interesting highlights of my Pastoral life came last week...
As I helped a college student move out of a real bad situation he had gotten himself into. The student's landlord is a drug dealer, and the small time criminal came over to observe, as the student and I moved his belongings out of the house. Before long, the drug dealer and I struck up a conversation talking about life, kids, tires, typical guy stuff.
The Dealer Opens Up
As the conversation continued, I found myself moving nothing and instead listening to this known drug dealer share his heart about how he had never once heard his Father tell him he loved him. It was a powerful moment as this hardened man, revealed the pain of his life. It helped me realize again, just how powerful it is to listen well to someone and give them dignity/value no matter their past (or present).
I didn't get a chance to share the Good News of Jesus with this guy, but I pray that he saw Christ in me as we talked and as I empathized with him.
My Prayer
Lord, your grace even extends to drug dealers!
Thank you that you don't treat me or others how we deserve.
Out of your great mercy Lord, you have died for the ungodly
and ransomed them from sin through your death and resurrection on the cross.
Thank you for demonstrating such love.
May your created beings including me and the drug dealer, somehow be able to grasp the overwhelming love you have for us.
Lord, your grace even extends to drug dealers!
Thank you that you don't treat me or others how we deserve.
Out of your great mercy Lord, you have died for the ungodly
and ransomed them from sin through your death and resurrection on the cross.
Thank you for demonstrating such love.
May your created beings including me and the drug dealer, somehow be able to grasp the overwhelming love you have for us.
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