Getting Personal

So, I have another blog (that's private) so i can journal about things possibly too personal to share with just anyone who cares to read my public blog, but this particular one I just want to throw out there.

Last night (Sunday, 15-Feb '09) I worked my shift at the Boxcar Alehouse as usual till about 11pm or so. I joined some friends playing wii and drinking beer, and we had a good time. Around midnight, I was casually chatting with a guy who I've only known for about a month. it happened very naturally, and I'm not even sure how, but as we were talking this guy started opening up (he'd had a bit to drink, so that helps) and he shared really personal things about his life. Now, I could've broken the conversation and played wii, but for God's sake I wanted to listen to him talk.

I remembered, then, why I took this job, working at a bar, and it has nothing to do with selling booze or being around "sin" or having fun without God (like some people assume or accuse me of). I took this job so I could be among sinners without a Savior, so I could be a beacon of light and truth as Christ calls us to be in the gospels, so maybe - JUST MAYBE - some might be saved. What really matters in life is my salvation, the salvation of others, and being in relationship with God and people. I work at a bar because, in America (and most of the world), that's where hurting people go. That's where the weak and the poor go. That's where desperate, sad, lost, and depressed people go. And they are who Christ challenges us to be a servant to and a bringer of the Good News to!

And that's what I did last night. I listened and I shared my faith with him. I saw him again tonight (at work) and he admitted he had too much to drink last night, but the last thing he remembered was having a deep, meaningful conversation with me. He spoke of it like he hasn't had a mature conversation in years. he told me that he went home before 1am and stayed up till 3-4am thinking about our conversation. he admitted to me (the night before) that he never told anybody some of the stuff he told me, and I just hope that means he trusts me enough to open up again sometime. And if God is willing, this man will be given faith to believe in the gospel message and he will choose to leave behind his hurt and pain, that he so desperately clings to, and find peace, hope, and love. I hope he chooses Christ. I hope he chooses LIFE!

And yes, my personal posts usually are THIS long.