Staying Encouraged Even When You’re Not Called On To Speak
By the time I was sitting in the Alliance theatre watching Max McClean’s presentation of The Great Divorce, I had already purchased the collector’s edition of CS Lewis’s Classics, but had not yet read The Great Divorce, one of the stories in it. I cried, laughed, scratched my head and was just WOWED watching this story unfold on stage. Much to our surprise at the end of the production Max McClean (the voice behind many of the audio Bible readings) comes onstage to take audience questions.
My mind reels. I have so many thoughts and even more questions. People around me are raising their hands and getting their questions answered. Finally I think of what I want to ask, raise my hand, and hear, “Well that does it folks. Thank you for coming to the show.” “Bummer,” I think. I wanted that opportunity to converse with Max McClean.
Daniel – my husband and dedicated theatre buddy, and I stroll Peachtree Street taking pictures and talking about the brilliance of Max McLean’s production. Along the way we took pictures of roses, street signs, and each other until we found ourselves in front of the Sausalito West Coast Grill. We decide to go in. As we approach the counter, the man behind it yells out, “We’re closed.” “Closed?” I ask. “Are you getting ready for the dinner crowd? It’s not even 6:00.” “No,” he shakes his head. “We are closed. No business.” “Why?,” I question him. “There are hundreds of people right down the block at The Alliance Theatre. Why don’t you advertise there, you would get a lot of business?” He just shook his head.
We turn to leave then heard, “OK. Stay. I will fix you something. What do you want?” Daniel and I look at each other in surprise but hurry back to the counter. Someone else comes out to prepare the grill. He begins cooking as Daniel and I look over the menu. The only two in the restaurant, we sit with our food and continue talking about the play. Through the front window I notice someone who looks like Max McLean walk by. What? Was he coming into the Sausalito Grill too?
Our table was close to the door so after he was only a few steps inside, I giddily announced we had just seen the play. He stopped. “You did?, he asked.” I tell him I own a copy of the C.S. Lewis collector’s edition. “ I know the one you’re speaking of,” he says in that Ten-Commandments-like tone of his. “Yes, and I’m not a “solid person” yet because I didn’t finish it,” I add. He chuckles (insider joke), then goes to the counter to order.
From where we sit, we hear from the same man behind the counter who spoke to us ask Max McClean, “Sir, where are you from? You have an English accent.” Oh, if you only knew, I think. “Sorry sir we are not taking any more orders. We’re closed.” Daniel and I look at each other. We drop ours fork and hurriedly walk to the counter. “Mr., ” I start, “This is Max McLean. He is the producer of the stage play that’s showing at The Alliance. You HAVE TO fix something for him.” With a nod, the owner says“Sir, what would you like?”
Daniel and I float back to our seats. With order in hand, Max McLean said, “Thanks to the two of you, I have something to eat,” then walked out of the Sausalito grill. Max McClean’s words are forever a part of my memory, but it’s Daniel’s question to Mr. McClean, “Sir, would you mind taking a picture with my wife?”, that etched them in my heart. Even though I didn’t get a chance for my thoughts and questions to be heard as part of the audience crowd at The Great Divorce production, the opportunity I did have to use my voice is one only God could have providentially ordained.
Even when you are not called on to speak or contribute to a conversation continue to prepare and engage in your unfolding story. God sees you. God is providentially working in your life. Ordinary days present extraordinary encounters that become the highlights in your story.
Stay encouraged my sister
Keep the faith.
God sees you.
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16
