It was the end of the week and my paper was due on Monday. I had about 25% of my paper done; the rough draft that is. I had studied and mapped out the passage I was writing on in Ephesians chapter 5, but inevitably things came up and my laptop closed. With an appointment a few towns over - and in an effort to remove myself from distractions in my home - I decided to leave early and go to a coffee shop there.
I set up my office-away-from-home and planned to spend several uninterrupted hours writing my paper. I had roughly 3 hours to spend at the coffee shop until my appointment would necessitate I leave. I was nearly one hour in with a lot of work yet before me when I noticed a woman in front of me.
From my table I noticed her at the checkout aisle asking a lot of questions with her strong accent to the barista. After ordering, while she waited for her food, she began taking pictures of the coffee shop and menu with permission from the workers. When her food came she began taking pictures of it. I wondered if she had traveled here. I thought, I always like to have pictures of myself in places I visit, let me offer to taker her picture.
"Would you like me to take a picture of you at this coffee shop, ma'am?"
This began what would become a 2 hour conversation.
I learned that she was not visiting, rather she was a reviewer for TripAdvisor reviewing restaurants and coffee shops. She was from Russia, but she now lived in the area. She travels often and whether local or in a different country reviews the restaurants, coffee shops, and hotels she visits.
We began talking about her trips. Quickly you could tell that this woman was a storyteller. She told the stories well. She asked me what I was working on. I told her about a Bible class I was taking, and how I was writing a paper on a passage from Scripture. She shared that she's not a religious person and doesn't know much about Scripture. After discussing some more she asked me, "What does your religion say about this . . ." and she continued to detail a question about something she encountered on her trip.
"Ahh, what about . . ." and she asked another question about a topic that culture might consider polarizing. She told me about how she is a professor at a college vocationally, and then told me more fascinating stories about her trip. She was delightful to talk with, but I worried about the time I had left to write my assignment before my appointment, worrying, How am I going to get this done? I have no more time left this week with other commitments. It really should get done now . . .
After a while she said, "I've kept you so long; I've just enjoyed our discussions! I should let you get back to writing. Do you need to keep writing?"
I remember thinking to myself, Lizzy, you can write about God's exhortation in the book of Ephesians to make the best use of the time and walk wisely, or you can live it. What good is it if you write about making the most of every opportunity for the kingdom of God, but foolishly neglect an opportunity in front of you? Don't just write about it, practice it now!
"No, you're fine!", I replied, "Please, go on!" and I closed my laptop that had been sitting open. I wanted her to know that I was fully invested.
We kept talking about her travels, and she asked me if I'd traveled. I told her about a mission trip I had been on, what we did, and why we went. We chatted right up until the time that I had to leave for my appointment. As we got ready to leave and walk out together, she told me that she enjoyed talking with me, and that it was just what she needed that day. I remembered that I had a "What is the Gospel?" tract in my wallet from the Outreach Resources at Bethany, and I asked her if I could giver her something.
I handed it to her and said, "Earlier you asked me what I was writing about. This tract talks about what I'm writing about, and why I'm passionate about it. I hope you'll read it!" She said she would when she got home, and she thanked me for talking. I reciprocated that it was great to meet her and enjoy her company!
This story's outcome would have been much different if the Holy Spirit hadn't convicted me and opened my eyes and heart to see the situation rightly and make the best use of the time; namely to care more about the person before me and the opportunity He gave us both, rather than the open laptop and delay in getting my paper done. How tragically ironic would it have been to remain consumed with thoughts of getting my paper done on the subject of making the best use of the time for the kingdom, and squander the opportunity literally in front of me.
Friends, we don't always hit the mark. I am saddened to think of the opportunities I have had to point others to the Gospel message and did not. In those times, thanks be to God that He does not discard us, rather He transforms our hearts and minds to more and more seek first the Kingdom as we walk with Him. He teaches us and empowers us, forgiving us when we fail, giving us new opportunities, and empowering us to proclaim as we should.
Please join me in saying a prayer for this woman. I am praying that this upcoming year the Lord would continue to grow me in walking wisely with Him and with others. That He would help me to look carefully how I walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Not being foolish, but understanding what the will of the Lord is (Ephesians 5:15-17).
- Lizzy Blanchard
Note: If you would like to grow in your outreach and evangelism efforts, Bethany is here to help you! Visit the Dutch Lane Cafe for outreach resources to help you as you seek to reach your neighbors and others with the gospel of Jesus Christ. There are free resources and some for purchase. Items include equipping books, gospel tracts, BCC business cards for inviting to church, and free evangelistic gift bags to give to people without a church home.
