“A Humble Surprise” by Justin March
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10
The Astros-Yankees game was playing on a large television behind me. The Cardinals-Saints game was playing on another large television in front of me. And as I looked around the restaurant our men’s group chose to dine at last Thursday, I must say my spirits were lifted. Almost every table was full, and all around me were groups of friends and families breaking bread together and enjoying one another’s company.
This is what I often experience when we go out on Thursday nights. We have a great group that meets each week for dinner and fellowship, and I always try to pay attention to what is going on around me. The atmosphere is usually alive as people take a break from the negativity the world tries to shove down their throats and replace that with some great food that tastes better going down the gullet. I witness servers that appreciate the kindness our group shows towards them, I embrace the smiles of the patrons enjoying their time out, and I relish in the friendships we have built on Thursday nights amongst the men. It is always refreshing, rejuvenating, and empowering to go out with my brothers each week.
So, our dinner this Thursday night was nothing out of the ordinary. We prayed as the delicious meal was served, we watched the games that were playing on the televisions, and we conversed about what the week had brought. It was another enjoyable evening, just as all the Thursday nights seem to be. 8 great friends, 8 strong brothers, and 8 humble servants for our Savior that makes all this possible. Yet, as amazing as this night turned out to be, God decided to show his face in a way that left me feeling humbled and proud to be part of this great group of men.
We were sitting at a large table in the middle of the restaurant. I was engulfed in conversations about Fantasy Football, Electric Vehicles, and Family Events, and this would have been enough to feel blessed and filled for the night. Yet, God’s light must have been shining bright this evening because as we were finishing up our outing, a large group of people were leaving their table. I watched them gather their things, and I pondered how they all connected. To me, it looked like Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma, and two teenage children had just experienced an amazing night out.
As they embraced and said their goodbyes, one of the women started walking towards our table. You could tell she was intentional, and as she got closer, it was apparent she had something to say to us. She merely wanted to express that it made her night to see 8 men joined together who were smiling, engaged in one another, and in her words, “truly enjoying one another’s company.” I must admit I was taken by surprise at this encounter, but I was happy my mind was quick enough to share a few short moments with her and tell her what this group is all about. She smiled, and as she walked away, she put her hand on my shoulder and said, “God bless you all.”
When I write about keeping our eyes open and our hearts soft, it is these kinds of moments that come to fruition. God flows through us in ways we do not even understand, and his light reaches others in mysterious spaces. What seemed like an ordinary Thursday night to me, became a blessing for this woman as her eyes were open to the presence God brought to our table. And you know what, her few words became a blessing for me as well. A blessing that is still resonating through me on this fine Sunday morning.
What we do matters. In a world searching for answers, it is these simple moments that have an impact. It is in these encounters where God’s light shines through us, and the door begins to open for caring conversations. And it is in these spaces where the daily miracles of Jesus Christ come to life, so we can be humbled by his amazing power and grace. I know I say it over and over again, but never underestimate the impression a few words or a simple gesture can have on another. “God bless you all” may not seem like an astounding statement, but it has resonated with me all weekend. Those few words have enhanced my feelings for you all, they have affirmed my belief in the good works we have done, and they have made me realize that God’s love shines through us even when we are merely having a beer and a burrito!
