I call on Spirit daily to use me, to please teach me how thy will be done & for the courage to follow boldly where led. It feels mystical how much is provided when asked…

As I drove along the moon lit quite mid-town streets to serve my KCMO neighbors breakfast I said this prayer.  As I coast through an intersection I spot a familiar face at the bus stop. It is a local man that plays uplifting music for those having breakfast. As I turn my car around to offer a ride I see in the side mirror he’s tightened his grip of his prized keyboard ready to defend what’s his. As my window went down he recognized my bright hat knowing I was a friend going the same direction and gladly took the invitation to join me.  

Our short ride was filled with talks of music, clubs, & jam sessions. It was an honor to get to know more about this man. A man who has endured harder struggles than I can comprehend.  A man who despite a rough journey is committed to taking a series of bus routes every weekend to share his gifts of music & follow where he’s led. Boldly.

As guests moved about in the dining area I took some space to take in the morning. It was the last day to serve with my two dear friends who are retiring. A mix of emotions filled my heart thinking about my friends’ journey. Jim, I don’t know if you’ll see this but I’ve learned life lessons from you. How to be a true servant, have fun, love life, & how to respectfully treat tough conversations with the upmost respect & compassion. Just then the music grabbed me. The man from earlier is now joined by his flute playing singing partner. The soothing sounds of soulful blues powerfully grabs the room. It hits me. This circle of friends that’s evolved through serving is diverse, is beautiful. Resilient exteriors with genuine souls. This is a crowd I wouldn’t have gotten to know if I hadn’t followed where I was led. Where each of them were led.

“If the door isn’t meant for you the door will shut” word for word this was said in two different conversations yesterday. I know it wasn’t by coincidence. Right now it is wide open & I’m going through it. It’s blowing my mind. I don’t understand it all & I don’t feel like I need to. It feels exciting & like I’m on a discovery mission. Perhaps I see a grand purpose in too many of the small moments but that’s okay with me. Taking time to see it, hear it, be in it makes the path I’m on feel significant.

I now ask where & what is leading you? Are you up to follow boldly?