Here are some random thoughts going through my head as I finish getting ready to fly to Mexico City early tomorrow to spend a couple of days with some pastors. These are some things I love about Sunday mornings.

• I love looking out my window on Sunday mornings and watching people as they come up the sidewalk. So many stop and then take a good long look at the construction site to see what’s changed since last week. I love watching people help other people. Many of those who pass by my window are coming from handicapped parking and seniors.
• I love talking to people about what parts of the service and/or sermon connects with them. Today in our Nehemiah study I was sharing five practices of men who have a heart to fight.,
• I love meeting people after services in the International Visitor’s Suite. Why do we call it that. Here’s a snippet from today: A wonderful Kenyan lady and her daughter were with us for the first time, introduced to me by a young couple who have visited Kenya and are anxious to go back. We talked about other Kenyans in our church. Remember TK, the Chinese American, Spanish-speaking member of our student missions council who found from a Muslim friend about the needs of Iraqi refugees being processed through a Jewish community center? She is working to set up a program for some of our families to serve as mentors for Iraqis to help them adjust to life in Kansas City and be their friends. As we were talking I heard an “hola” from a young boy who stood looking up at me.  A Salvadoran man had come in with his three young sons to introduce them to me.  As we chatted in Spanish for a moment they were amazed to hear TK jump right in to the conversation.  That’s fun.
• Also in the International Visitors Suite I have a chance to pray with people, like a young man who is burdened for some people that work with him, or a dear lady who is having surgery as part of her battle with cancer this week.
• I also have a chance to hear great stories like that of the young man who recently shared his faith during our last Fabulous Fifth Sunday. Last week he was assigned a persuasive speech for his college English class. He was led to give his speech on the reality of Jesus Christ. The morning of the speech he wrestled with fear and texted a friend who quoted back a verse that I had used this very morning about perfect love casting out fear. Emboldened, he began texting other friends to request prayer and headed out to class. When it was his turn he opened his mouth and stuff started coming out he had not even planned on saying. He shared how his best friend’s suicide had been a life-defining moment for him and transformed his life. A “holy hush” settled over the room.  The professor said that they were going to just be silent for a few minutes before the next speech so they could reflect on what they just heard. He also said that he was going to throw out grading on the curve because no one else could measure up to what they had just heard. Afterward, classmates came and hugged him and shared how what he said was exactly what they needed to hear. Wow.

Life is sweet!