WHERE IN THE WORD

typical doctor's office chairs brought me an atypical greeting

After being handed my standard issue clipboard with predictable paperwork at my annual blood draw for health insurance purposes today, I sat down in a typical doctor’s office chair to be greeted with a surprise comment.

“Good morning and God bless you too!” said the older gentleman seated next to me.

He had to be speaking to me, because there was no one else in the waiting room. But I hadn’t spoken yet, making the “too” part of his greeting slightly confusing. But I like to be blessed. And he was friendly, so I said, “Good morning and God bless you.”

And we continued filling out our forms.

Four seconds later my husband walked in. We are required to have this done every year to maintain lower health insurance rates and we always wait until the last week for some reason, so today was our day.

“How was Bible study,” I asked him.

Brett could only give me two or three sentences about who was at Bible study and what kind of donuts they had before my name was called. Now having blood drawn is not my strong suit. Let’s just say I always have to warn the phlebotomist I may pass out. I also know to pack a banana in my purse to eat the second they’re finished to try to give my blood sugar a little replacement.

where are you in the Word?

I’m pleased to report my phlebotomist was gentle, I didn’t look, and I didn’t faint. I did feel woozy, so I sat for a moment or two in the room on the cot, and then for another moment, until she said my pupils looked normal again. I slowly stood, scuffled out to the hall where the same gentleman walked by on the way to his room.

“Where in the Word are you?” He asked.

I’ve been asked by so many people over the years, people I know, people from church, close friends, what my Bible study is studying or what my pastor is teaching, but I can’t remember anyone asking me where I am in the Word, let alone a stranger. Ever.

I was blown away and blessed.

“Galatians,” I managed

“I just finished 2 Samuel last night!” He proclaimed then held up his hand and gave me a powerful high five.

He went into his room.

I sat on the chair nearest the door eating my banana until my husband came out, so we could go to Starbucks together.

But that man…

I'm reading Galatians right now. How about you?

“Where are you in the Word?”

Wouldn’t it be cool if we greeted each other like that? Just assuming that everyone we met is reading the Bible. Curious to see what they’re studying, what they might be learning, if they’re knee deep in some of our favorite verses or braving books we might normally steer clear of, inspiring us to go back in for seconds or to give something new a try.

Granted, he might have gathered I was a Christian if he heard me ask my husband how Bible study was, but he didn’t know that when he told me, “God bless you too.”

So, what if we asked everyone. What if some people looked at us like we were insane? What if some people asked us what we meant by “The Word” and we were able to share the Gospel?

I went in to have my blood drawn. I went in to check a box for my insurance. I went in nervous and apprehensive.

I came out inspired. And challenged.

So, I ask you friends, where are you in the Word today? I’d love to hear. Inspire me. Challenge me. Where are you?