Some Things I’ve Learned from My New “Hobby”
In recent years, I’ve taken up a new hobby. I now go on scavenger hunts on a fairly regular basis.
Well, to be honest, it is not a hobby. Also, in the interest of honesty and transparency, they also are not really scavenger hunts.
Actually, what I have started doing more of recently is an attempt to “carry my weight” with regard to some of the things that Donna has done for years. Part of that effort involves what feels to me like a scavenger hunt, but is actually a trip to the grocery store. I’ve been known to tell people at the store on some occasions that my wife sends me to Mars because I’m so lost that I might as well be on Mars.
Please allow me to share with you a couple of the things I’ve learned on those trips and to use the second of those things as a “springboard” to some further discussion. First, variety may be the spice of life, but it is also very confusing. Who knew that there were so many brands, styles, sizes, etc. of “a can of green beans” (and seemingly every other item in the store)?
A corollary to this is that I’m very thankful for modern technology. My iPhone allows me to take and text a picture to Donna to make sure I’m getting the correct item. (I’m not sure that she appreciates this as much as I do, though.)
The second thing that I’ve learned has applications way beyond a grocery store and is far more important than getting the right food item. I’ve learned that you can meet a lot of nice people at a grocery store. This is especially true if you are a man who looks confused, finds a person (usually a woman) who is willing to help, and is humble (or desperate) enough to ask for help.
I am very appreciative of the willingness of people who have helped me. I have noticed, however, that not all of them help in the same way.
In my experience, the methods used to help fall into three categories. First, the kind person (employee or customer) can let me know that the item I’m looking for is on a particular aisle in the store. Sure enough – when I go to that aisle and do a little investigating, I am pleased to find “my treasure.”
Second, there are those who point in the direction where I can (and do) find what I’m looking for. Sometimes, “method #1” and “method #2” are combined. That combination is more helpful than either method used by itself.
Neither of those two methods, used either individually or combined, will work as effectively or will be appreciated nearly as much as the method I appreciate the most. There are people (again – both employees and/or customers) who will take the time and have enough interest to walk with you and lead you to the item.
You’ve probably already figured out the application of this that I need to try to incorporate into my life. Maybe you do as well.
We come into contact each day with people who are looking for something that they hope will make their lives better. Those of us who are Christians know what that is. More accurately, we know Who that is.
Instead of only telling people about Jesus or even pointing people to Him, wouldn’t it be better if we actually walked with them and led them to Him?
Along with that, why don’t we try walking with those who have found Him? We all need encouragement along the way, don’t we?
A relationship with the Lord was never meant to be a hobby. It is intended to be much more than that. The very short version of what it is intended to be is that this relationship is supposed to be what our lives are all about and what will prepare us for being with Him for eternity.
You may remember an event that is recorded in Acts 8. A man is asked if he understands what he is reading from the scriptures. His response was, “…How can I, unless someone guides me?…” (Acts 8:31)
As I type these words, I honestly remember very little about the people who have helped me during my trips to the grocery store. However, I do know and dearly love those who have helped (and are helping) me on my “ultimate journey.”
I hope that there are people like that in your life who have led you to Jesus and who are willing to continue to walk with you as you serve Him. I also hope that you can be that kind of person for somebody else.
AUTHOR: Jim Faughn
