The Kite Shop Experience

When I was in college, I worked for a short time in a little kite shop in St. Augustine. It was a cool job—making and selling kites and meeting all kinds of interesting people. One slow summer morning, I was straightening up the shop when two other college-aged kids walked in. They immediately approached me and said, “I want to introduce you to someone. Have you met my friend, Jesus?”

I was so taken by surprise that I didn’t know what to say. I guess my hesitancy was their cue to pounce. They began quoting chapter and verse, warning me I’d burn in hell if I didn’t get to know their friend immediately. I was afraid they might scare off any customers, and by the time I told them to hit the road, I was nearly convinced I’d rather burn in hell than spend eternity in heaven with people like them.

The thing is, I wasn’t involved in church at the time—but I was spiritually open. I knew I was missing something. Looking back, I can put my finger on that longing. I know now what I was missing then.

There was an opportunity for those kids to share God’s grace with me—but instead, they brought fear and judgment. They were definitely not a good witness to the beautiful message entrusted to us.

We have been entrusted with a beautiful message of grace and hope: that God loves this world, and each and every person in it. And we are called to share that message. The challenge is finding ways to do it with love.

Let us pray: Gracious God, we know that you have called us to be light in a world that is often dark. We all know people who are hurting. We all know people who have lost hope, who feel far from you. And yet, sometimes we pretend not to notice. Sometimes we feel we don’t have the words, or we’re afraid because of the hurtful and embarrassing ways the gospel has been shared by others. Forgive us, O God. Grant us the words to encourage, the courage to invite, and the wisdom to bring hope. Help us share the love, forgiveness, and acceptance we ourselves have experienced—in a way that opens hearts. We ask in Christ’s name. Amen.