We have a friend named Marty. He has a way of turning ordinary conversations into great adventures. His language, his attitude, his approach says in the most genuine way – God loves you and He intends to make sure you know just how valuable you are. Think of the youth leader who makes kids, no matter how awkward or shy, feel like the MVP.  That’s Marty.

One of my favorite Marty stories involves a dinner with his family and some other folks. I won’t recount the details perfectly because it has been a long time, but I sure can take you to the heart of the moment. The conversation was going along well enough. Marty interrupted a lull in the chatter with a slap on the table and a challenge: “OK, here we go.  One at a time.  Best personal God story ever.  Go!”  Then he pointed to the first person at the table. 

Now, if you’re thinking how intimidated you’d feel if you were at the end of his first finger point, you need to know that the love that exudes from this man dispels any feeling of on-the-spotness.  You should also know that the people at the table felt comfortable in their silence as they reached to think of their memorable God moments. Eventually, one person shared, which sparked a memory in another and then another and before we knew it, the whole table was competing to share the fruit of the presence of God in their lives. It was like standing in an orchard with more fruit than any of us could possibly pick in one visit.

That’s how it is with God stories. There is an endless supply because God is planting Himself in our lives and the lives of those around us 24/7, 365.  They are just waiting to be harvested. All. The. Time.

Often at the end of a calendar year, I’ve recounted privately with gratitude the ways I can remember God showing up in my life. But when I think about Marty and what he does every time he slaps a table and unapologetically asks for someone else to share their fruit, I realize I might be missing the fruit in the orchard God has strategically placed around me. God stories grow our faith. Plain and simple. God stories feed us. The Lord intends us to feast on them. But to do that, we must contemplate two things -- how to share some of our own fruit and how to ask others to share theirs.

One of the ways I do that monthly is by attending a women’s event called Dare to Share Your Story. One woman tells a true story of how God showed up in her life.  These aren’t professional speakers. These are regular women willing to share their God story with others. The only agenda – bring hope. I usually leave with a spring in my step and hope in my heart. That’s how it is with God stories.

So, our ridiculous mission this month is simple. In your mobile mission pack, you will find ten pieces of paper that look like slices of fruit, a note card and an envelope.  One slice of fruit is already in the envelope with the note card.  Save that one for last. With the other nine, pray about how you give and receive God stories. Think about a few ways God has worked in your life this year.  Write them on some of the fruit slices. Are you willing to share them in some appropriate way?  Make it safe.  This isn’t about sharing private/sensitive details.  It’s about sharing God’s hand on your life.  

With the remaining slices, pray about how you might ask a few people to share their God stories with you. Who is in your orchard? You don’t have to do it like Marty. You might make a private phone call. Or gather your family or friends on a zoom call to share your stories from the year.  Make it easy by making it clear you aren’t asking for private details.

If nothing else, the goal of this month’s mission is to help us see that God has littered the landscape with fruit ripe for the harvest. It’s ready for the picking because He promises an endless supply.

And with that bright envelope and card, will you consider sharing one piece of fruit with us?  No slice is too small. We’d love to hear from you. If you’d rather not share, no worries.  Will you consider using that card to tell us how we can serve you better in 2021?

Finally, we don’t have enough breath to thank you for being a part of our beginning this year. Beginnings are beautiful but messy. Your willingness to walk with us and talk with us as we take our first steps toward what we will become… That is OUR harvest.  Thank you!  Kat Silverglate, Founder

The Ridiculous Hour Foundation, Inc. is a Florida 501(c)(3) Non Profit Entity. Our website is in the works – www.theridiculoushour.com. In the meantime, you can reach our founder, Kat Silverglate, at [email protected]. As with all our mission packs, feel free to give them away or ask for more, but please don’t copy them. They are our original work.  Copyright 2020 Kat Silverglate