Church at Kwik Trip

The summer heat was too much for us yesterday, so the kids and I headed to Lake Michigan to meet some friends and cool off.  We ended up bringing two extra kids because our family motto is "the more, the merrier".  

Without air conditioning in our van, we were already hot and bothered when we stopped for donuts at Kwik Trip.  All six of us breathed a sigh of relief as we entered the store and felt the instant cooling effect of central air.  Donuts and drinks in hand, we got into line, not too anxious to get back in the furnace of the van. 

When an older lady stepped into line behind us, I offered her a spot ahead of us in line.  She thanked us, smiled kindly and chatted with us. As we talked about the weather and our destination, a sacred-like connection occurred. It's difficult to explain, but she seemed familiar to me, even though I knew we had never met. Our souls seemed to know each other.  Even though our conversation hadn't gone beyond small talk, I felt a connection, an understanding.

As she turned to leave, she looked me in the eyes and said "I'm going to pray for you and your family." I wanted to grasp her hand, feeling a fullness in my heart.
"Will you pray for safety for us today?" I replied.  
"I will," she responded. "God bless you and your family."

That sweet stranger had encouraged me.  This encouragement strengthened me and reminded me where my help truly comes from. God was with us, between us and within us.  It was then I realized I was experiencing Church, right there in the middle of Kwik Trip.  It may seem that I'm over-analyzing the encounter or making a big deal out of a short conversation.  But shouldn't fellowship between believers always be celebrated?  It's like being in a foreign country far from home and finding someone who speaks your native language.  It's a window into heaven that needs to be treasured.

Our pastor, Ken Nabi often says at the end of church services, "Go, be the Church".  I think this lady modeled that for me yesterday.  Church isn't a service.  It's not a building or an event.  It's how we demonstrate the love of Christ to each other in daily life.  It's how we grow together, support one another and encourage one another.  Not just on Sundays, but every moment of our lives.  We are the Church. 

Let's go be the Church!

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."          ~Hebrews 10:24-26

N.J. buried in the sand by the boys

  

Have you experienced Church in unexpected places?  I'd love to hear about it.  Feel free to share your comments below. 

Artfully sewing,

Angela Jean