Screaming and giggling. Kids everywhere. Parents interacting. Sometimes trying to rest against a wall and escape the whirlwind. The sheer delight and terror of a kids birthday birthday.
I began a conversation with a quiet woman next to me. It seemed as if the Spirit of God ushered me into a sacred space and whispered, “share your stories.” And so it began. So many stories. One after the other.
After introducing myself I told of Elizabeth’s adoption. The open invitation encompassing our home. The beauty of a welcoming and safe community we offer Chinese immigrants. The Africans studying in the States who find in our home a place of respite and laughter. Our church. The 250 people who worship together. And the 23 different languages spoken by the members. The birthday parties for 180 people. 180 people comprising homeless families, neighbors, school friends, or a single Mom befriended at a grocery store. The inability to pay bills and the knocks at the door. The words. God told me to give you $2,000. $500. The inclusive nature of our lives.
No matter who you are. You matter to God. You matter to us.
Her eyes grew wide. Wonder evident in her gaze. Her face softened. She smiled. The smile remained through our conversation. She finally remarked, “I am not a Christian, but your life has touched me. You do so much for others.”
It is in these moments that I sense the pleasure of God. I am witness to my obedience. It is a life lived out of who He has made me.
In these conversations I know who I am...and Whose I am. I sense the wonder of being His masterpiece. I know the joy of walking in my gifting. Of fulfilling my purpose.
I am doing those things that He prepared for me in advance.
My life intersected her life. God knew her story. He knew how and who would best communicate His heart to her. He chose me.
Each preceding moment helps me to be more aware. More present. And more available. I am ready, willing and confident in my story. Because it is His story lived through me. His gifting lived from within me.
As I live out of my gifting each day, I collect stories to use for another day. History builds.
Moment. By. Moment.
I am a collector of moments. Of stories. And my deepest desire is to live fully in each moment. Intentionally being His masterpiece. And witnessing the power of God at work in and through me. Changing history. One life at a time. One story at a time. As His Masterpiece.
