New Experiences as Work

On Thursday at work I got a break from the norm of phone calling, but only because I was in the right place at the right time. I met one of my coworkers in the elevator and found out she was going to do a home inspection. I said it sounded like fun, and the next thing you know I was on a bus headed to an apartment. My cooworker Theresa took pictures of potential healthcode violations-I think there were lots of them, and there were bugs all over. The woman only spoke in Spanish, but I understood most of what she said. I enjoyed the experience because I have talked to so many people on the phone about their landlord-tenant complaints, and now I have a better understanding of what they are experiencing.

On the bus ride home, Theresa and I were talking and the conversation somehow turned to faith. She told me she grew up in the church but was didn't feel people were genuine and things just didn't make sense to her. Church never answered the questions she had. It was interesting to talk with her about why she had decided to leave the church. I had mentioned my dad was a pastor and she asked me why it was I believed in God. I think that's the question that's so scary for Christians to be asked. And right away I started thinking about I Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." I didn't want to mess up the answer to that question, but I tried to speak from my heart and beyond that I couldn't do more. I don't know whether Theresa will remember that conversation at all, but I pray she will, and I pray that I will have more opportunities to talk to coworkers like this too.