Dinner Tonight

Tonight we sat and talked. Four of us at one table; we spent a couple of hours chatting about life, God, and the vastness of His great faithfulness. I looked at each one and saw the beauty of Christ in them. Their presence set my heart at peace and I was easily content. Dinner outside at D&P’s has become a comfortable hangout for us girls of Westwood. The heaters were on, and though the night air was chilly, the setting couldn’t have been more perfect. We were engaged with one another. When we talk, we dream… Dream of life and the idea of being used for greatness. We’ll change the world – each one of us. Alana’s solid friendship, adventurous spirit, and nurturing heart will heal and restore those who have lost the excitement of life. Jeannette will experience Africa… her graceful presence will heal a nation. Nicolette will achieve goals many women can’t even fathom making… she will heal a broken misconception of worth. And I… I will write. I will write and pray that the words on each page will heal broken hearts, broken dreams, and broken ideals. We left and went our separate ways, each woman more enriched by the presence of sisters who share a bond that none on this earth can explain it as other than the bond of Christ.

And as I walked into my apartment tonight, I thought of the people God has placed in my life for such a time as this. It isn’t just the four of us who happened to be at dinner tonight who will change the world. I see it in others too. JD will teach others the beauty of worship, a life of service dedicated to loving God and loving others. Cait will share her story, spend her energy on ministry, and in turn, her treasure in Heaven will be a crown with many jewels. Jackie will pray, and her ears will hear what only few can dare listen to. Kyle will show the business world the meaning of Jesus’ presence on earth. Jennie will serve the outcasts, the untouchables. Teddy will be an advocate for those who have no advocate. Hilary will bring joy and laughter to children who have little hope left. Anna will rise high in the ranks of academics and remind the world that Jesus’ grace is sufficient, and she will use big words to proclaim this truth. Jenny’s writing will inspire the world to dream. Renee will teach inner-city children the passion of knowledge. The leaders in Athletes in Action will change this campus and will be known by the world. They will have ministries that God ordains and blesses. Garett too. He might not know it but God has a ministry for him that will change lives. I have other friends who are going places in the name of Jesus… friends who will be known by this world as workers for Jesus. They are brothers and sisters that I’ve encountered along the way and have partnered with in ministry… the body of believers is vast and countless. Its impact as a unit is significant and unbreakable. As an individual, I am quite small. But when as collected individuals we join together for a purpose far greater than ourselves, our significance is huge. And I am in awe of God’s great creativity and wisdom in constructing a powerful force that is victorious in all endeavors because of the One who called it into being.