A Vision Revised...

A few weeks ago, I made a comment at my Jesus-place, which was actually met with acute correction by a friend of mine.

I said, "We aim to win souls, right?"

"No...we're here to plant seeds," came her quick reply.

This exchange has played in my mind much lately. For me, it was comforting to redefine those terms, but a much bigger responsibility. Suddenly, every interaction I have with the world is an opportunity to plant, water, or harvest. I'm no longer thinking about the big "win souls" but rather the intricacies of getting a soul "won."

That hasty exchange in Wal-Mart as I shove my money in my purse and mumble a thank you (really meaning THANK GOD I'M DONE) to my cashier has transformed. I now take the time to ask them about their day as they do my check out, and LISTEN to their response. Many a time I have responded with assurance that I will pray for them or their family. Many times, wounded souls have cried out, finally released from a cold heart. Seeds planted, watered... hearts warmed.

That's what Jesus is about. It's in the details. Details I always overlooked. I saw a familiar face in Wal-Mart the other day. (I'm at Wal-Mart way too much. Have I mentioned that I don't even LIKE Wal-Mart?!?) Anyway, I normally would have smiled, said hi, and kept walking. That would have sufficed just fine, but no. I stopped. I sought her out, said hi, asked how she was... and then, I LISTENED. She talked and talked...and talked. And I continued to listen. It was obvious that she was relieved to just discuss her life. She apologized for her divorce, cause "good Christians" don't get divorced. I simply attempted to just love her. I'm not exactly gifted in LOVING people, but I've been asking for Jesus to show me how to just love someone. No strings, limitations, expectations. Kinda like he loves us. So, we had a great encounter. Seed watered. I think I'll see her again at bible study. I hope so.

I'm not a social butterfly. I don't normally seek people out. As time has passed, I've become more introvert. Yet, I've started to see people as people with SOULS and HEARTS and NEEDS. It's a wonderfully terrifying experience. Yet, the more I see, the more I love my Jesus, because now I recognize him in the details.