David and I are traveling with family this week, hanging in the Pacific Northwest. I love the city of Portland, and each time I come here I am reminded how much I love my family, being where they are, living their life for a few days. Tomorrow they are taking me on the pilgrimage to Mecca…we are going to Seattle for the day! (Cue the choirs of angelic voices.) I can’t wait to visit the original Starbucks, as well as the new heritage store Starbucks just opened. I’m hoping to find a couple of interesting independent shops, as well. If anyone has any suggestions, please jump in! I am thinking that the Q Cafe is in Seattle, too. Need to look that up.
Last night we worshiped at City Bible Church’s 217 campus with our family. Each church has its own vibe, and I always enjoy dipping into City Bible’s “vibe” when we are here. They have a talented worship staff and tend to sing a lot of in-house music Fun to hear what messages God is dropping into their hearts and lives. I have to say, as well, the drumming was unbelievable (my nephew Colby!!!).
During the offering, Pastor Frank asked an interesting question that has had me pondering today. Remember the story of Blind Bartimaeus? He sat by the road and cried out to Jesus. Jesus heard him, and asked him “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus didn’t have time to give Jesus his whole list: he had time for one thing. Now he was blind. It was a pretty good guess what he’d ask for, and he did. “I want to see.” In that moment, he could.
What would I ask for if Jesus stopped by me on the street and said “What can I do for you?”
My mind immediately gives all the right answers: capture my daughter’s hearts, give us wisdom, help us make a difference. But are those the real answers? I’m captivated by thinking about my true heart’s cry. “I want to see!!” What is it that I want so desperately I’d be willing to sit by the road and cry out to Jesus for?
I don’t honestly know the answer to that. But I’m pondering it.
Now we’re off to downtown Portland. We’re going to ride a tram, and eat something yummy, and I’m hoping to run into someone selling Street Roots so I can keep my promise to buy a copy of the homeless paper. They blogged about me on the Street Roots blog…they are waiting for me. Here I come, boys!
