The Third Place
There is a market term called “third-place” that refers to social places that are outside of the two most common places of interaction, home and work. I frequent a certain “third-place” location on Monday afternoon. It has provided a great place for me to get work done away from the distractions of the office and has in the past afforded me the opportunity to engage in conversation with people in the community.
In my previous ministry in Gurnee, I would have frequent conversations with Harry or Mark. Since I started this same practice here there had been a lot of work getting done, but no contacts with people.
Yesterday that all changed when I met a man who works for a food distributor. We had both found it easier to get work done away from the office. After introducing ourselves and sharing what we do, he mentioned he does some work out of his house. I told him that since we have had Jadon that working at home was not nearly as easy as before. He told me that when his son got to Middle School he took a lower paying job with less demands so that he could be there when his son would need him the most. My first thought was, “Wow! Someone who has a proper perspective of family.” He asked what church I pastor, and I told him Summitview Christian Church and gave him the time of our service and directions.
A simple encounter. An opportunity to share and invite. It doesn’t take much, but when you ask God for boldness, you have to be ready to obey.
