one to one: Lessons about life, ministry, and grandkids

by Keith Burden, Executive Secretary, National Association of Free Will Baptists

Talking to the Lord

Last November, I attended the Tennessee State Meeting in Pigeon Forge. After we adjourned for lunch, I decided to take a leisurely break and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant since nothing more was scheduled until the evening service

After being seated and exchanging pleasantries with the waitress, I placed my order. In a few minutes, she returned with the meal. She made sure I had everything I needed before stepping away with a promise to check on me later. As she walked away, I did something I had done countless times before. I bowed my head, thanked the Lord for the food, and asked Him to bless it to the nourishment of my body.

As I recall, the dining room was crowded that day. Yet, I sat in my own little world, oblivious to what was going on around me. I did not listen in on the conversations taking place at other tables. Nothing about the other patrons made a specific impression upon me. I ate my lunch in relative solitude in spite of the hustle and bustle around me.

As I was finishing my meal, an elderly couple rose from a neighboring table and made their way to the cashier. As they passed, I gave them a polite smile and friendly nod. Unexpectedly, the old gentleman stopped, placed his hand on my shoulder, and with a gentle, sincere voice said, “I appreciate you talking to the Lord in public.”

I thanked him for the comment as my mind raced to think of an appropriate response. I came up blank. He quietly walked away, and I sat there speechless. In all my years as a follower of Christ, no one had ever thanked me for “talking to the Lord in public.”

Later, as I sat in my car in the restaurant parking lot, the full impact of what I had experienced began to settle in. I realized the routine things we do each day (like praying before a meal) are not routine. It occurred to me that this might be what Jesus had in mind when He said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

I was reminded that others really are watching us. We do not live in a vacuum. Even the smallest of actions have an impact; therefore, as a believer, I must constantly keep my guard up. Never underestimate the power of example.

So, the next time you pause to return thanks before a meal, remember—God is listening, and someone else may be watching you talk to the Lord.

About the Column: One to One is a regular feature of ONE Magazine. Written by Keith Burden, executive secretary of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, the column explores life, ministry...and the joys of grandchildren.