I don’t really like carbonated beverages. But a carbonated beverage that is poured from a tall glass bottle in the home of a Dominican stranger is my new favorite drink. Maybe it’s how refreshing and cold the drink is on such as hot day. Or maybe it’s the smile on the face of the Dominican stranger that says “We’re friends now.” Or maybe the cold drink tastes so good because it is being generously given to me, an American stranger, from someone who does not have much. I think all of these are reasons why carbonated beverages are my new favorite drink.

I was hustling around recently when I got stopped by a precious nine year old girl who invited me into her house. I had a sweet time getting to know her, her mom, and her grandmother. I drank the cold carbonated beverage that was served to me and told my new friends I’d be back soon.
  God showed me through that experience what it is like to be led by Him each day. I have a tendency to let the urgent (running errands and sticking to my agenda) get in the way of the important (connecting with people and building relationships). Since that time of slowing down to get to know my new friends, God has given me many other opportunities to lay my agenda aside and connect with people. To slow down in this way is so counter-American culture but I’m quite excited to embrace it. I believe that God wants to lead me and use me in the lives of the Dominican friends that I meet each day.

Father God, “Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling.” Psalm 43:3