What if...

we took the time to tell the person serving us that they were exceptional?

The guy who made my burrito at Sharky's truly is exceptional. He is a master in the art of burrito making. I'm not kidding.

Well, I took the time. He deserved it. Vann and I both praised the skill and efficiency he uses in his job. You could tell that he was surprised to hear this.

Later, Vann told me that our burrito master's (I will learn his name next time...though I'm sure Vann knows it) girlfriend was watching and listening to us. Honestly, learning that she overheard us did something inside me. At first, I was a little embarrassed. Then, it really made me think. A lot.

I immediately remembered the day (I was probably 18) that my dad and I went into a Fred Meyer for something random. We turned down an aisle and bumped into a guy who used to work for Dad. I don't remember the man's name, but I remember the gift he gave me. He simply took the time to tell me how great my dad was. He spoke directly to me. He told me I should be proud to have such a great Dad.

It was simple. It was free. But I will never forget it. Dad was clearly surprised, almost speechless. I was proud.

What if we took the time to honor / treat someone as though a person they loved was watching?

Truth is, our Father is watching. And He loves the burrito master. He loves us.

Location: Harold's BBQ

The best BBQ in town. Harold is a gift to Abilene. What is cool is how he uses his gifts (singing, specifically) to encourage others and praise God.

Do we (I) know our (my) gifts? Do we (I) use them to do the same?

Location: SportClips

I got my haircut yesterday. The stylist is pregnant, married to an electrician in the Air Force, from Missouri, and several miles from their families. She is also due on the same day as my oldest. (yes, she was talkative)

A great opportunity to invite her into a new family who will care for them now and especially in September.

Location: Rosa's parking lot

If you can see him, there is a cute little white dog in the cab of the moving truck. He was pretty sad looking. This just reminded me of the anxiety a family feels when they move to a new town. A great opportunity for Christians to reach out and serve.

Be a hero.

Location: my backyard

A simple reminder to me.

Community Front Porch?

Location: Lunsford Trail

I am surprised at how many people are walking, jogging, rollerblading, biking, etc. on this trail around the school campus. Even more surprising is how many of them are from the community. Of course there are several employees and students from ACU, but the other night the majority were just coming to the campus to enjoy this inspirational setting.

What a great opportunity to reach others.

Confidential!

Location: my office.

Why do I sometimes treat my faith like it should be folded and stuffed in this envelope?

Downgraded.

Well, this is frustrating! My iPhone died after trying to upgrade to the 2.0 software. Hope to post new pics as soon as it is back up and running.

Apparently, I'm not the only one now with a beautiful Apple brick.

Reflection

Location: Alley Cats in Abilene, TX
The very first picture for this project, and I didn't take it of a person...not of my next door neighbor who was earlier sitting right in front of me and would greatly appreciate it if I surprised him and mowed his yard. Or the single moms. Or the underappreciated cashier.

Throughout lunch, I watched people through this mirror. From my seat, it was a good way to see if I knew them...and I actually did know a few. That's not why I took this picture.

My "God lens" thought was this:

Who do people see when they look at me? What does my reflection look like? Am I a reflection of Christ?

God's Lens

This is a photo journal project inspired by my friend, Vann, and his challenge to look for God opportunities in the places we go and people we meet every day. To see our community through God's lens.

I'll take a picture every day between noon and 2pm and share it here.