I was painting the fence in the front of our Church and Christian School and struggled to keep my mind on my task, as traffic passed on the highway behind me and as parents brought students to school. I had worked with others before, but this time I was alone. It was hot and humid and I was already soaked with sweat. Brother Bob had mentioned he wanted to finish the fence, so we could move on to other projects, but I didn’t think I would get that far by myself.
We needed help if we hoped to finish anytime soon. That is when Robert Martinez showed up to help. I soon found out Robert has many skills and has much more painting experience than I do. As we began to talk (and paint), he said he also retired as an Air Force Master Sergeant, though he was an aircraft Crew Chief, while I was a heavy equipment operator and later worked with computers. Due to his hands on technical skills, he worked in various jobs after retirement and was able to do almost anything, while my second career was limited to computer support. While I worked mostly indoors, Robert was more comfortable working outdoors.
As we talked (and painted), I found out we had more in common than the Air Force. We both have grandchildren attending Agape Christian Academy and both volunteered to help paint the fence. Robert said he is raising his grandchildren and I told him I retired so I could be there for mine. We discussed the Christian school and I mentioned my daughter and son-in-law graduated from Agape and my daughter taught there before. He said he liked the faith the kids were learning and I told him my grandchildren said they were saved as part of their schoolwork. I discovered, though we have our differences, we also have a lot in common.
Over the years I have met many people with varied backgrounds and experiences, especially overseas, but I also have found we have things in common. I looked for those common points, so we can become better acquainted. I have often used humor to break the ice and get people to talk. Though I was rather shy growing up, a preacher once said, “You can’t do anything for GOD without people.” That made getting to know people a part of my Christian walk.
When I was in the military that was a point of common interest and the task at hand was another discussion point. I looked for ways to mention something about GOD or Church to let them know I am a Christian and try to get a response. I would often mention something our Pastor said or did. That was easy with Pastor Billy Moore’s great testimony! Something I could always bring up is my own imperfections. I had a long list of those and I was sure that others did too, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23 KJV). People are more open to talk about someone else’s faults and it can bring down their defenses.
Because “all have sinned” we have another thing in common, our need of a Savior. Thankfully we also have a GOD who loves us! In fact “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). If we accept GOD’s gift and His Son JESUS as our LORD and SAVIOR, we have a lot more in common. We become brothers and sisters in CHRIST and will live together forever!
Wayne Lance (2019)