Built Any Bridges Lately?

Last week I didn’t post “Matt’s Thoughts” because I spent most of my time at our local county fair. For the last 34 years, I’ve spent a week during the summer working at the fair. (Except 2021 when fairs weren’t permitted due to Covid) The county fair has been a great opportunity to rub shoulders with people I see little the rest of the year. I look for ways to “love my neighbor” and “pastor” the community. Here’s some examples of opportunities I took to let my “light shine.” The fair is a time to build bridges. I met a man recovering from a near death accident. He explained, in very colorful speech, the extent of his injuries. After listening to his story, I challenged him, from my survival story. I told him he lived survived for a reason and needed to ask God why he survived. He didn’t fully grasp the challenge. So I challenged him again: “God let you live for a reason, and you need to ask Him why you're still here.” He understood and I hope the question of survival challenges him like it did me in 1996. I greeted a woman who had just gone through the loss of a loved one. I greeted her and asked her how her pregnancy was going. She told me, with tears, that she had miscarried during the midst of grieving. I put my arm around her shoulder and prayed for her, while others around us waited for food. I celebrated with a woman whose son has been sober for a year. At the 2021 fair, she told me about the anguish and pain of watching her son abuse alcohol. I prayed with her at the 2021 fair. A year later, she is celebrating to have her son back, working, and making healthy choices. I spent an hour sitting and talking with a couple who I’ve made friends with over the years. They come from a different philosophy of life than me, and we disagree on many aspects of life. But I love this couple and appreciate the opportunity to discuss life, politics, morality and the issues facing humanity from a “faith” point of view. The Apostle Peter instructed the early church “Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have, but answer in a gentle way and with respect.” 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NCV) I try to tell and show people the reason I have for hope. I take the last part of Peter’s instructions seriously: “In a gentle way and with respect.” Gentleness and respect build bridges with people who interpret life differently than me. Bridges make crossing over to faith possible. Few people fight the currents to faith. People cross bridges to faith. I encourage you to look for ways to build bridges by responding with gentleness and respect. Jesus will use your “loving your neighbor” to change lives.