I like days like today. It was what I would call a heavily peopled day.

It began at Starbucks. A physically challenged gentleman came to my table and asked me what I did for a living. He was curious about my opened computer.

I told him that I was a pastor, and he seemed pleased by that. He had some other questions about the church, and he finally said, “God bless you.” And he left.

Shortly after that another person asked, “Did I hear you say you are a pastor?” That turned into a 30-minute conversation and questions about availability of small groups. (She was looking for one to join.)

I got an e-mail from a community leader as well. “Would you speak to a group of business people about how networking has worked for you?” the email asked. “Count me in,” I told him. What a great opportunity.

Later in the day I had a conversation with another community leader about our Kiwanis club. I told him we wanted some help in recruiting a younger and more racially divese membership. (Our club is getting ooooold.)

We had a neat conversation about that, about the shrinking numbers of civic-ly involved people, and about how relevant that shrinkage problem is to all institutions, including churches.

I went to Costco to buy Bev some flowers. There was a literal parade of men coming out, as I went in, each carrying a bundle of flowers. It made me laugh. The lady who was running the flower concession was making a mint. I bumped into a friend in Costco who showed me her engagement ring.

Later in the afternoon I met a retired man and his wife that frequent one of the Starbucks I go to. “What do you do?” he asked. They were people of faith. I also had a visit with a man who’s company is bringing a large business to town. It was exciting to hear about what is happening behind the scenes to bring this company here.

I’ve never, in my whole life, had this much interaction with such a broad base of community folk. I regret that, but I’m also thankful that I’m having the experience now. It’s incredible. Praise be to God.