Clay in the Hands

Isn’t it cool how God can use anything to connect people?

Last night at our church meal time, Mike approached me and said, “I noticed on your Facebook page that you are a fan of Phil Keaggy.”

I am sure my face lit up because it is not everyday that I run into people with common interests in music.  Actually, I am sure that there are many people out there who would like what they saw on my iPod (and probably a few who would be shocked) but it is not normally a conversation starter.

Mike has been extremely faithful to come to church and be a part of what we are doing but we had never really had a real conversation before.  But when he asked about my love of Phil Keaggy’s music and ministry, it gave us a common interest from which to have a 10 minute conversation.  I was blessed to stand there and talk with him.

Now, if you have never heard of Phil Keaggy, let me tell you a little something about him.  Since the invention of stringed instruments – going back to David sitting on a hillside watching sheep while he played his lyre – there has not been a more accomplished guitarist.  And his vocals aren’t too shabby either.  What Chuck Norris is in the hero world, Phil Keaggy is in the music world.  Maybe you get the picture that I’m a fan.  My dream in high school was that when I married, I wanted to get Phil Keaggy to play at my wedding.  Yeah, I guess I am a fan.

I made that statement to Mike last night and he said, “I did have Phil play at mine.”  My eyes got big and then he smiled and said, “We had one of his CD’s playing as ambient music.”  Why didn’t I think of that?

Here is the point I am trying to make – and it is not just to communicate that I am a huge Phil Keaggy fan.

God can use any part of us to make a connection with someone else.  I had seen Mike week after week and had exchanged the normal pleasantries, but we had never had a real conversation.  Until . . . we connected through music.

As I have mulled this over since last night, I have been reminded that God has given me a unique portfolio of interests, experiences and gifts.  My job is to figure out how to use those things to connect with others.

How about you?  Who is your Phil Keaggy?  If you don’t have one – might I suggest Phil Keaggy?  🙂

Seriously, what has God given you that can help you connect with those placed in your path today?   How will use those things to build a new relationship today?

Hey Mike – I say we find the next close Phil Keaggy concert and declare “Road Trip!!”

Be blessed today!