My wife and I had purchased tickets to see a movie when my phone rang. We were standing outside the entrance to the theater, people filing by on their way, my wife with the popcorn and soda in her hands. Steph gave me a look, I shrugged my shoulders, told her to "go in, I'll be right there" and I answered the phone, "Hello, this is Pastor Brad."
I was expecting the call - actually I had been expecting it all day. Earlier that morning I was in contact with a family member whose mother, a member of the church I serve, had told me her mom was not doing very good and she details to share with me but now wasn't a good time. Could she call me back later? Of course and I gave her my cell phone number, telling her to call whenever she was available. That was at 11:30 or so and now it was 7:00 pm and she was available so I needed to be available too.
I knew we were taking a chance on seeing a movie when I hadn't received the return phone call but I also knew my wife and I wanted to see the movie. So we did what pastors and others who are on-call do and took a chance.
I spent the next 10 minutes talking with the daughter about her mom and the next steps that needed to happen. I re-assured her that she was in my prayers, that God would surround her with people to help guide her family through the next few days and made sure I answered any questions she had. All the while standing in the midst of people off to see the newest releases and to munch on popcorn.
When I hung up the phone I heard a voice say, "Are you a pastor?" The question took me a bit by surprise. I was wearing my Chicago Cubs hat, a t-shirt, cargo shorts and sandals - I'm sure the last thing I looked like was a pastor. The question came from the young woman who was taking tickets. "Yes, I am. How did you know?" Perhaps I had a glow about me or something about me radiated pastor that I wasn't aware of. "I heard part of your phone call. You sound like a pastor,which is good if that's what you are." I smiled and said something off-hand like "guilty as charged" to which she responded, "Is someone sick?" "Yes, and it doesn't sound like they will be getting better." was my reply. "I will pray for them. Is that ok?" Before I could respond she said, "I don't need names, God knows who they are." I was a bit caught off guard; who was the pastor here? I smiled and said, "Yes God does." and handed her my ticket. She smiled at me again, tore the ticket and said, "Enjoy the movie."
You don't have to have a fancy title to be able to minister to others, to share God's love with others. I am grateful for that ticket-taker who reminded me of that. I'm thankful of that phone call as I was heading into the movie for the reminder that people are in need of good news and comfort in the most unlikely of times and places. I'm thankful to be able to say "YES" when someone asks me, "Are you a Pastor?"
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