Most of our single brothers hung out Wednesday night at some big-chain sports bar - Our d-group fell thru due to a case of illness, and I thought that we shouldn't lose this opportunity to get together. Good times and conversation flew around, and at times, we were the loudest table in the place because of our laughter. We were all brothers, brought together by God, and it showed when we prayed. Hands on shoulders, the four of us offered up our thanks to God. Our Lord was evident in 'us'.

Now, our waitress was this nice woman, but it seemed as if there was some type of 'wall' that was up through the first half of our meal. From ordering drinks, to ordering food... She seemed very nice, but something seemed slightly wrong - Normally by now, our humor has infected others and walls begin to break apart... this was not the case. (or maybe it's me... maybe we're not as charismatic as we think we are.... hmmmmm?)

But when our food was brought to our table, she had asked how we knew each other. Quickly, I said that we all belonged to the same church (and that one of the guys was my trainer). She came back a little bit later, when things started to slow down in the restaurant, and she had asked if we used the Bible app, and how her brother worked for the company that created it. Being inquisitive, we asked a lot of questions about her faith & family, previous & current jobs, her being a trainer, life as a vegan and her viewpoint on the relevance of stuffing... And she answered them all! She had a lot to say about everything and it was great to see her wall breaking apart.

And then we spoke about her personal convictions. She attends a non-denom church in windsor, and loves it. She even spoke about working for the airlines and flying every weekend to attend a church. Questions led to more lengthy answers. This lady as incredibly interesting!

And then I asked, "So, you have a personal relationship with God - How has your walk with Him been?"

"Good"

The brothers looked at each other in slight surprise. She has been wordsy in her previous responses to everything, and yet now, her response to the greatest gift we could ever receive (a relationship with God) was summed up into one word.

Granted, it was a question out of left-field... Probably something she's rarely ever asked or is asked when times are difficult... i don't know. Now, don't get me wrong - I am not judging her or anyone but for me, if you have several things to say about anything, we should have even more to say about God.

She bounced back after the shock of such a question (No, she wasn't offended, nor was it an inappropriate question), and shared that she reads her bible everyday, she does a daily devotional, and other things... (I have food on the brain so my memory's lacking today). She loves her church but we invited her to come visit ours, as I handed her a card. (Keep an eye out for a platinum blonde, everyone!)

I want to say that we as disciples have the greatest gift, greater than any this planet (or the devil) could give - a relationship with God. And that should have us beaming! That gift should be evident in not just what we do or how we act, but simply in our smiles even! Speaking personally, getting to that point took years because of heart & head issues... But I am here, and that's a testimony to Him.

But one thing could that could diminish that "light in us" is fatigue. When we are tired, it's evident. We're sluggish, bags under our eyes, we're not firing on all pistons... we are not ourselves. Personal quiet times, church, kids, wife, life, work, exercise, school, ... and now holidays - it all adds up.

But no matter how 'grown-up' we think we are, the truth is we need someone to watch out for us & care for us. We need a shepherd because we are sheep. Without that shepherd, we could get lost or fall into other types of trouble.

How great is that ? Our God, our Shepherd will provide with all that we need. Our relationship with Him should look like this picture:

It's just a fish, but look at her face. Look at how closely she holds onto that fish. Eyes closed with happiness & content. God's value & importance should be that prize in us as well. The world may see God as a fish, where most wouldn't want to touch but not for us.

Yes, we will grow tired, and we will experience difficult times, but that's when our relationship with Him is the most important. Be a wordsworth about your job, your wife, or your six-pack, or how being a vegan gives you super powers... But never shut up about your relationship with Him! Brag about Him! scream out His Name from every rooftop!