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Anchor House Week 14: Double cheeseburger

Happy Easter! This Easter week was just different at the SeaPort. We had quite a few ships in and many that will stay for Easter. One of the ships was getting loaded for most of the week and some of the crew came to Anchor House for some R&R. They shot pool, played basketball, got something to eat, and took advantage of the WiFi. 

The final night the ship was in town, some of the guys spent the entire afternoon and evening with us. They had such a great time. As they got hungry they ordered a couple of double cheeseburgers, a great American classic.  

Not long after, they ordered a couple of more double cheeseburgers. I didn't think much of it, these guys work hard and maybe they were really just hungry. But then they asked for them to be wrapped up for takeaway. Not long after, a few of their shipmates showed up at the center. They too ordered double cheeseburgers. Theirs were ordered for takeaway too.  

After I left for the day, the importance of our center and the ministry God has called us into was reinforced in my heart. The love of God we get to share comes in many forms. For some, it comes through a kind word. For others it is simply providing a place to rest or stretch their legs or take a rest. For some we are their church and place of worship. For others we are a break from the food on the ship and source of a double cheeseburger to be enjoyed after returning to the Seafarer's routine. 

I am reminded that God calls us to bring light into this human existence that can fill the darkness. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden." (Matthew 5:14 NIV). What does that churchy talk really mean? Light in the darkness? It means that in all the things we do, Jesus shines through. We don't have to quote scripture or try to take everyone down Romans Road, Jesus' love is displayed in the ways we handle ourselves and treat others. 

In all things we do this light should shine through. The respect we show, the kindness we provide, and the way we are slow to anger. Our actions and words are filled with His love because we first love Him before loving His people. What we do may conflict with the norms of the world we live in. Maybe that is better said as "What we do may conflict with the norms of the world we LOVE in."

A wise man once said, "Little keys open big doors." Those double cheeseburgers are little things. The experience surrounding them is what matters. Coming to a space that feels comfortable and where you feel welcome is more important. Having fun with friends and being treated with respect and kindness makes a diffey. Allowing someone to enjoy an American classic is so much more. His light shines through those moments and they become the little keys that open doors to changed forevers. 

Be blessed and be a blessing,
Matt

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