Connections - Day 4 - Nick

I spent the day with Jennie, as we drove down to Pennsylvania to deliver her younger sister, Anna to their father, Rick. We met up in Williamsport at a Wendy's restaurant. That's when I met Nick.

Nick is a kind Christian gentleman in his 50s who was eating a cheeseburger by himself at a table near where we sat to eat our lunch. He actually broke the "ice" first when he commented on the fact that we prayed before we ate our meal saying that it was an encouragement to him. That made a nice "on-ramp" to keep the connection going.

Nick is a small business owner who lives with his wife just outside Williamsport. He runs a mobile Cheeseburger Stand and follows the fairs around the state to provide all that lovely carnival food we all so enjoy. (I thought it funny that he was eating a Wendy's cheeseburger when we talked.) Nick and his wife attend an area fellowship where he is in charge of the drama department and very much enjoys writing most of their scripts.

He and his wife have just one child, a daughter, Nicole who is 25 years old and lives in Lancaster County where she is hoping for a position in youth ministry at a large church there. She also works in registration at the famous "Sight and Sound" theater ministry located down in Lancaster. It's clear that he is very proud of his little girl and encouraged me to "look her up" the next time I go to Sight and Sound Theater.

This was a pleasant and easy interaction, made easier by the fact that he bravely stepped out first by commenting on our prayer before our meal. I found that as he responded to my initial question (Are you here on your lunch break?) that I was both hearing him, and trying to come up with some more questions that would encourage the flow of conversation to continue. I feel like I'm building a toolbox of questions that help with making these cold contact stranger connections a bit easier, and look forward to the time when it all happens more naturally.

I told Nick, as he thanked me for talking with him, that I'd pray for him. Would you join me? Father God, thank you for this man of God, Nick. Let Your hand of protection and peace rest upon he and his wife and please draw them ever closer to You. I pray for Nicole, that she would be blessed as she pursues ministering to youth in Your name. Guide her steps, provide for her needs, and reveal more of Your Father heart to her -- even through her loving earthly father, Nick.

Thanks Dad!