the host, the waiter, and the mother

One of the most common phrases on the Race has been, “Life is ministry and ministry is life.” It should be the way we live every day, but getting pulled out of the daily routine in the States has helped this “new routine” (or lack thereof) to sink in more and more. We, as estadounidense, tend to gravitate toward routines, focusing on the next thing to accomplish in our busy lives. I will be the first one to tell you that when I go into any store, I have a plan. A plan to get in…and to get out. But what if as we went on our way, God put people in our path to love on, to pray for, to encourage? 

This month in Costa Rica, I have learned that no matter the day, time, or expectation, “life is ministry and ministry is life.” On our Sabbath day in Cahuita, one of the girls on my team wanted to treat our airbnb host to breakfast. I honestly wasn’t super excited about it because I was craving alone time. But as the three of us drove to breakfast and sat down to eat, I was reminded of the importance of community and encouragement. Our host had helped us out on more than one occasion that weekend, and we found out that she was also a believer. She lit up sharing with us about her move to the area, her son, and helping us learn more Spanish.

It was a sweet time to encourage each other and just have fun! While we were eating gallo pinto and chatting, I noticed our waiter looking a bit downcast as he came in and out to serve us. Little did I know, my teammate and I had both noticed the same thing. When she went in, she had gotten him to smile, and I asked our host if she would inquire if we could pray for him. He brightened at the idea, and we were able to ask what he would like prayer for. The restaurant we sat in was his business and source of income, which had struggled due to COVID. So, we prayed for the business and for his family. You never know what kind of day someone else is having. And…if you stay wrapped up in yourself, like I was at the start of the day, you’ll miss it.

You’ll miss people, you’ll miss God, you’ll miss opportunities. 

Earlier in the week, I had the opportunity to sit with a doctor, during a women’s clinic, held at our ministry. One of the women who came through seemed very sad. I found out that she had been struggling with domestic abuse at home and was understandably having a difficult time with her mental health. The doctor so naturally encouraged her with the gospel and the love of Jesus. What a beautiful thing to behold. I felt so much compassion for this woman and mother, and was glad to be able to talk to her further through Google Translate. 

In the week that followed, I saw her twice more, and it was evident how much she had changed. Her face glowed, and she spread joy and peace where she went. Thank you Lord for what you have done in the lives of these people that I’ve met “along the way.” It’s sweet to get a front row seat to how a few words or acts of kindness can change someone’s demeanor, day, or life. We won’t get to see how our words and actions affect every life that we touch, but it’s worth it to speak peace, love, and life! As Proverbs 18:21 says,

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

The way that we choose to respond in every circumstance matters, and we have no idea what kind of day, week, month, or year that the person before us is having. So, be weird and smile at a stranger. Be bold and ask your waiter if you can pray for them. Be compassionate and talk to the outcast. You never know whose life you are going to change. Maybe, it will be yours…

Me and Treasure Seeker teammate, Katie

Parque Nacional Cahuita