Narrative of Grace

DAY FIVE

Vacation is a lot like people-watching in a mall, only you get to converse with some of them. Yesterday we met an art gallery owner/ English antique dealer in Gordonsville. He spoke with a distinct British accent, so I asked where he was from originally and learned that he hailed from Darby, England. The topic of conversation shifted to soccer when I asked if he was a "footballer," and he proceeded to wax eloquently about his days playing in the British 2nd level and later refereeing. He was particularly proud of the fact that the last match he officiated was Leicester versus Arsenal. Who would have expected to meet an English soccer player in Gordonsville, Virginia? 

This morning we met Sam from east Hanover County. He was the wrangler for our wagon ride at the resort, and handled well the team of white dappled Percherons named Doc and Duke. Sam is definitely down to earth; one might call him a man of the earth. He told us that he had been a teacher years ago and then was a dairy farmer for thirty years, doing all the work himself after his father died. He sold his cows back in 2007 just before the bottom dropped out of the market, but confided in us that he's still paying off what he lost when he sold. 

We've encountered other interesting people on this trip, like the BBQ Exchange waitress stuck in the '60's (complete with peace sign laden head band and long braided hair), and all of them remind me that each of us have a story and that each of our stories are unique. Jesus dealt with differences in a significant way-- he met everyone where they were, spoke a language they understood, and always started with their particular context when sharing his message with them. The good news (Gospel) is a narrative of grace, custom fit for every individual. 

"And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house." Luke 19:5