A Thankful Unintentional Stalker

I wish I could have inconspicuously mounted my camera this morning to freeze the moments I witnessed in the coffee shop today. The ironic thing about it is that I witness the same thing practically every single week. But today felt different. Today there was a part of me that suddenly felt like I was a part of something very special without actually being a part of it. I was just there, nearby. Close enough to look occasionally up from the top of my computer screen to see it and allow myself a moment to smile to myself.

Each week, I see the pastors of Lincoln Berean Church meet together at this coffee shop. It typically seems to be a different day other than today. And they, as do I, tend to sit in the same general location. But today, we were in different places. (Is the anticipation of what I saw killing you yet?)

Today, I saw five men sitting around a table, eating their breakfast and holding their coffee with an occasional sip. But for the most part, their time to be spent mostly in vibrant conversation and laughter. Looking at them, I couldn't help but think "this group of guys REALLY enjoy each other's company". This wasn't set up. They didn't know I was going to be writing a blog about them. They didn't even know I was watching them. (Uh...stalker?) It was so magnetic that it was almost distracting.

They not only work together and share the same passion and compassions in life, they share a deep-rooted bond, a sense of community of sincere friendship and respect that feels like it flows directly from the heart of God Himself. It's one thing to speak from a stage in front of a ginormous congregation and deliver a poignant message each week. It's another to have hidden eyes observing their interaction amongst each other and to be able to see the undeniable love of God pouring out of each one of them as they interact with one another. For me, it confirmed my already thankful heart to be attending a church under the leadership of these few men.