Rich Dixon is back to talk a bit about the important third member of the team:

+++

In Sikeston, Missouri, our three “person” team encountered a local restaurant & interactive tourist landmark – Lambert’s Cafe created its reputation based on “Throwed Rolls.”

Seriously. Want another roll? Raise your hand and a guy tosses it across the room.

Lambert’s staff served wonderful family-style food. And, since customers demonstrated varying degrees of proficiency as roll catchers, remnants of tossed food made Lambert’s floor a buffet for Monte.

He’s normally quite disciplined in restaurants, but this was irresistible temptation. Everyone chuckled as an 80-lb furball tried to sneak crumbs without being noticed.

+ + +

We’re convinced part of Monte’s service is drawing people into our circle with his gentle spirit. His loving eyes and floppy ears often breach otherwise impervious barriers.

A young girl asked if she could pet Monte. As soon as she extended her hand, Monte rested his blocky head in her lap while she stroked and scratched and cuddled with him. As everyone nearby smiled, Becky began a conversation with the little girl’s mom.

This was the first day of their new life. Leaving a bad situation, they moved to a new city, new job, a fresh start. Mom talked about anticipation and fear, her daughter’s anxiety about an unfamiliar school and finding new friends.

As we chatted, Monte continued to tilt his head this way and that to get a scratch in every conceivable spot. We talked about Mom’s concerns, about the ride, about hope and possibilities and God’s faithfulness, while Monte comforted a child in a manner beyond human understanding.

After they left, Becky and I just looked at each other in wonder. We talked a little about the incredible ways God works when we manage to stay out of His way.

A girl and her mom felt a bit more peaceful and hopeful.

The whole process had very little to do with us.