Another interesting afternoon at Vienna Coffee House, one of the Maryville-area coffee shops I frequent. A couple of times each week, I spend a few hours drinking coffee, listening to music, and trying to turn ideas into books. While some authors prefer writing in quiet solitude, I’m inspired by the sights and sounds of humanity milling about. Everyone has a story.
Earlier this afternoon, I found my usual spot in a comfy chair and began writing. Two millennial fellas sat across from me. One was engrossed in his cell phone and the other was devouring a Turkey Pesto Panini as if time were running out on a food shot clock.
The cell phone guy glanced over at me and noticed the hiking boot and Appalachian Trail stickers on the back of my laptop.
“Excuse me, sir. You familiar with the AT?” he asked.
“Yeah, pretty familiar with it,” I answered.
“Ever hike any of it?”
“Yep, I’ve hiked the whole thing.”
With that, his face lit up and his buddy looked over, mustard dripping from his chin.
“You’re a thru-hiker?!”
“Yep, did the whole thing in ’16.”
“Wow!” They were in shock. Cell phone guy looked over at his buddy, then got up and sat down in the chair next to me. “Mind if I ask you some questions.”
“Go for it.”
Over the next 30 minutes, he enthusiastically peppered me with dozens of questions about the AT, and I responded in kind. I have a strand of AT in my DNA and never tire of the subject. No one can “out enthusiasm” me on the AT. On my deathbed, just before they pull the plug, I plan to mutter something about the Half Gallon Challenge.
Some of cell phone guy’s questions were the usual ones—bear sightings, conditioning, hardest part, best section, gear, etc. Others were unique to him and his buddy. They are from out of town, are leaving tomorrow, and wanted to get in a hike before sunset. That led to a discussion of area trails and the pros and cons of each. I pulled up a few recommendations on my laptop and they snapped pictures of each. We discussed my AT books and they plan to check them out.
As I type this, the fellas have likely parked their car at Cades Cove and have arrived at Spence Field shelter on the AT. If they keep their pace up, they have a decent shot at getting back to their car before sunset.
I wonder if I’ll ever see them again. Unlikely, right?
I wonder if there would have been a conversation, and how it would have gone, had my laptop sticker been not of the AT, but of a cross.
I wonder if I would have been as enthusiastic in sharing my faith as I am in sharing my AT knowledge.
I wonder if these two fellas believe in God. I wonder if anyone has helped them connect the dots between the amazing Appalachian Trail and the even more amazing God who made it.
I don’t wonder if it was a missed opportunity. It clearly was.
So, I just ordered a cross sticker for my laptop from Amazon. If it doesn’t prompt a bystander to inquire, maybe it will prompt me to take a chance.
Unfortunately, Amazon doesn’t sell courage. That comes from within.
Only I can share my faith.
I’m asking God for another chance.
Excellent read. I have known some people who so naturally share their faith. I have but sometimes I’ve let the opportunities slip away, too.
Enjoyed this article as I do all of your writings. Like the way you brought to the reader’s attention about sharing the gospel, good way to motivate others. Yes, we all miss opportunities everyday but we keep on sowing the seed and God gives the increase!
Are you writing another book? I finishing up The Eulogy, taking me longer than usual, too much unpacking. I am thoroughly enjoying it, sometimes I just sit and laugh! Ernie’s humor reminds me of your humor with some of Janet’s thrown in!
Thanks, Mary! We sure do miss you and T. You’re so right–God gives the increase. I just have to remind myself daily to be a little more deliberate in sowing seed…and not think that people will come to know Jesus just by me being a generally decent human being.
Glad you enjoyed The Eulogy. Janet and I had so much fun collaborating on it. We tried to bring in some humor to offset the overall somber theme of a dying man. We also relied heavily on our experience caring for my dying mother, which was certainly sad and heartbreaking, but had it’s share of lighter moments.
Yes, I’m 7,444 words into book #5. It’s kind of an intersection between faith and board games. It’s been simmering in the back of my brain for a few years.
Interesting, one of the things that I picked up during our adventures of traveling with Sojourners fulltime was T shirts. Not only from our different volunteer projects around the country but others that struck my eye of how the artwork was crafted. I remember one was the head of a roaring Male Lion, it reminded me of Aslan from Chronicles of Narnia. A lady stopped me who was apparently interested in preservation of wildlife and wanted to see the full view of the front. I think it said something about our God is like a roaring Lion. Once she saw that her eagerness to discuss vanished and she walked away. One had a scripture with Fearless in big letters, that one and a number of other theamed T shirts were starters from Christian’s and non Christian alike. Some would call them icebreakers making it possible to discuss things that was bothering them. It seems that the ones that have a simple statement relating to the troubles of life started most of the conversations that lead to deeper discussions.
Great observation, John. I like the idea of a visual ice-breaker. Whether it’s a cross, a “Blessed” t-shirt, or a roaring lion, I’m for having something that gives a visual clue as to our belief system. Hopefully, that clue is backed by our kindness, goodness, uplifting language, etc. The clue might spark a fruitful conversation, or turn someone away. I guess it’s like a billboard or tv commercial–might be ignored but also might lead to a “sale”…either way, it can be a small element in letting our light shine.
Just think you get to be in a car with Chuck for 4 days to answer all his questions. You just might get tired of it this time. 😉
He didn’t wait to get in the car! We’ve been at it the past 3 hours!
Oh yes, He will bring you many opportunities to share. Through our Acts study I am being convicted each week to share with others as the early church did. It’s way out of my comfort zone, but really don’t want it to be. I just need to practice so that it becomes natural. I am going to trust the Holy Spirit to help me.😊