It’s Monday, March 5 at 5pm. I need a quiet place to journal after a rough day. I went to the Doable Evangelism Seminar on Saturday in Reno, and I’m just needing to process some things. I drove out just looking for a cup of coffee and some quiet space to reflect and journal. I came upon an old motel on fourth street, and noticed that someone had recently fixed the old place up…turned it into a bed and breakfast with a coffee shop.

As I walked through the old door I noticed charming little tables in a gentle-quiet environment. There was a middle-aged man and an older woman engaged in a conversation. She had reddish-brown hair and spoke with a gentle voice. He had darkish hair and a gentle voice as well. They both seemed tired. It seemed they were getting ready to close for the night. We greeted one another and chatted a bit. I soon learned that, yep…they were closed (it was after five pm now). Darn. I asked if they knew where I could find a quiet place where I could get a cup of coffee and journal. Without hesitation the lady said, “You can sit wherever you like. I have work to do and won’t mind you being here.” The gentleman said, “I’ll be happy to get you a cup of coffee.”

“Why, thank you so much,” I replied. I respected their kindness, and quietly journaled. The gentleman decided to go home, said goodnight, and softly went on his way. The woman seemed delighted to finally get some much needed work done. I noticed she talked out loud to herself while she worked. Wow. I do that, too. I silently chuckled to myself.

Soon she was experiencing multiple calls from an insurance man who was trying to get money form her regarding a fraudulent claim against her. She was annoyed and seemed weary. After all, the claim has been going on for over a year now! Each time the annoying man called she told him to call her insurance agent. Judging by the conversations, it’s clear the caller is ignoring her words I comment on how annoying and rude the caller was. “Yes!” she said, and shared her frustrating story with me. I made extra effort to LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN. She seemed glad some one was actually listening tonight.

Later one of her monthly renters came by with bad news and no money for the rent he was already behind on. She told him, “Look, I’m sorry about your situation, but I’ve been more than patient with you. You’d be out on the street if not for me. You must come back next time with some money.” After he left, she shared her frustration with me. I asked if she felt taken advantage of? “Yes!” From there we entered into a conversation about her feelings and what she wants. I listened. I know I don’t need to fix her or be a financial savior. She seems to light up when I listen, so that’s what I did. Throughout the next 2 hours we both worked on our projects and took little “conversation breaks”. By now I know her name is Pat, and she is the owner of the old, old motel turned bed and breakfast.

During our conversation breaks I discovered we had lots of little connections. She got married in the Sierra Valley, about one mile from where my parents live, and she has a son who lives in the town right next to them. We both really like the Sierra Valley. Later I shared my excitement about her motel. I think my grandparents and my mom stayed at this very place in the early 1950’s. “Maybe I could find the picture I have of them standing in front of this motel!” She smiled with delight about the possibility.

We talked about God and about how people used to respect one another long ago. I remember how Randy Siever said (at the DE Seminar) that God is already at work in other people’s lives, and we just need to pay attention long enough to see Him there. That helped me to relax and enjoy listening to Pat…without any agenda. I shared how I prayed earlier for God to guide me to a quiet place, and look where I landed! Both of us liked how God answered prayer tonight. Pat said, “I am so glad you stopped by.” “Me, too,” I said.

Soon it was time for me to go. Pat thanked me for the company, and I thanked her ever so much for accommodating me as well. I reached out to shake her hand, but she wanted a hug. She also gave me a kiss on the cheek, and we wished each other well. As I drove away I pondered the past two hours.

• I didn’t have to be a savior (not my job, but I usually feel like I need to be)
• I enjoyed NOT steering the conversation.
• We both made a difference in each other’s lives tonight, which was a priceless gift.
• This experience was endearing, delightful, respectful, safe, relaxing and filled with wonderment and discovery about another soul’s life.

Tonight two strangers became a little more acquainted through an unexpected conversation journey…and God was definitely in our midst…with us BOTH. It seemed as if time stood still during those two hours. I prayed God’s blessing and prosperity on Pat’s little historic motel and coffee shop, as well as a deeper relationship with our loving God.

I’m so thankful for what I learned in the Doable Evangelism Seminar last Saturday. I really works when you apply the concepts.

“Mitch”