I don’t believe we are just some randomly formed organisms trying to eek out a survival here on earth. There is something of intricate worth and value in every person. When I look at another, I try and see the beauty and wonder of who they are. To the One who designed them, they must be very special.

Tonight I met another couple that moved to Rochester less than a year ago. They were originally from Paraguay and moved here to work at the Mayo Clinic.

Why should I take time to get to know them? They don’t speak English very well. It doesn’t look like we have much in common. It is too cold here for them and they are not sure how long they will stay. Why invest any time in sharing my life with them?

Maybe a better question is, “why not?”

Every encounter I have with person may be a life-changing one. I’d like every person who comes in contact with someone from NewDay to experience what Brian McLaren mentioned in his book, “More Ready Than You Realize”…

“We are a community bound together and energized by real faith, love, and commitment to Jesus Christ. Even though you don’t yet share that faith, love and commitment, you are most welcome to be with us, to belong here, to experience what we’re about. Then, if you are attracted and persuaded by what you see, you’ll want to set down roots here long term. And if don’t, you’ll always be a friend.”

Take a chance and open your life up to others… it may make a lifelong difference.

Pastor John