God-Moments at McDonalds

McDonalds. A cup of coffee. Hash browns. McMuffins. Sitting next to an awesome youth leader for conversation. Forty minutes. This is a quick glimpse of the setting experienced when meeting with Josh Derr. Stealing from the Gladiator movie, Josh Derr is a “husband, father, painter, and servant of youth.”  I love getting together with Josh. Sometimes he is reflective. Sometimes passionate. Always a great listener and honest with feedback. As the scent of grease, coffee, and great tasting McMuffins floated in the air, our corner table awaited our arrival.

As we got together to chat about the youth ministry at Five Stones and began chatting about life, it was awesome to see how much of an impact the teens of Five Stones have had on our life. Over the past few weeks, we have seen this community of teens share stories (random, hilarious, and serious), share prayer requests, and we could recall specific moments of spiritual insight that had happened in the small groups for teens. It was a time for mini-celebrations. Excitement about life and ministry was happening with Ronald McDonald and elder coffee drinkers lurking behind us. Excitement about what God is doing was happening at 7:30 AM on a Wednesday morning (Wait?! Youth leaders wake up this early?!) A tired morning had transformed into vibrant conversation that had left us excited for the adventures to come at 5 Stones and in our lives.

Where ever you are in your spiritual journey, whatever ministry you are serving in; Never underestimate the importance of spiritual “moments” – conversations, prayers, Scriptures that speak to you, hugs, encouragement, insights, and even a cup of coffee with a dear friend. In the midst of our busy lives, objectives, and expectations, it is easy to blow through a day and wonder what happened. Slow down the objectives, expectations, and billions of thoughts running through your head to see what God is doing right in front of you!

For me, it was hearing the heart-felt and meaty prayer of Chip about lining up our hearts with God’s kingdom and seeing us step up our faith a notch every time that we meet.  It was a moment that lasted 45 seconds, but stuck out to me like a sore thumb.  What are the moments happening all around you that have God’s fingerprint all over them? Slow down, look around, see them, be a part of them, and celebrate those moments with others (even, at McDonalds!!)...