The endless blue sky stretched above us. “Let’s sit on the patio for lunch,” my husband said as we settled in at our favorite pizza place. I chose the seat looking outward, over the low fence and ahead into the world. I couldn’t see anyone but my husband next to me.
A few minutes later he leaned in and whispered, “The table of women behind us is reading your book.” I slapped his hand playfully and said, “No, they’re not.” He repeated, “Really, they’re reading your book.” (This isn’t the first time I’ve mistaken truth for teasing. I did the same thing when he proposed. But that’s another story.)
I tried to casually glance over my shoulder without looking like a stalker and sure enough, a table of about twelve women had my book spread out in all directions. I could barely make out underlines and highlights, hear a little of the laughter and intensity in their conversation over what God was speaking to their hearts.
I turned back and sat still, stunned. Soon a grin spread across my face and happy tears filled my eyes.
Because this is how we go through life, isn’t it?
We try to be obedient. We take our place at the table with Jesus. We love Him.
But we don’t always get to really see the results. We don’t always know the impact.
And as I sat there, it seemed He whispered to my heart, “Heaven is when you get to turn the chair completely around.”
Right now I type away at a keyboard a lot of the time. It’s good and I’m so grateful. It’s just that sometimes it’s hard too. Sometimes it’s lonely. Sometimes I wonder if it matters.
I imagine the same is true for you in whatever you’re called to do–being a mama, running a company, volunteering, you know what that thing is for you…
Will you read the rest with me on (in)courage?
