I learn a lot from my wife.
For instance, Becky taught me the principle of “300 TOUCHES,” which inspired yesterday’s quote.
This principle basically says it’s rare for someone to accept Jesus the first time they encounter him. It often takes multiple encounters, or touches, before a person finally understands and says YES to Jesus… it may, in fact, take as many as 300 touches.
Those “touches” are encounters with people like you and me.
We’re prone to celebrate that last touch, that last step, that moment someone finally holds out their hands in submission and says, “Yes, I believe.” Often, we even hear someone claim they led a person to Jesus.
But maybe they were merely the 300th touch.
Of course, we ought to celebrate anytime someone accepts Jesus. But 300 TOUCHES reminds us of seeds planted, of people who nurtured and watered and cared for that person long before they made their final decision.
It reminds us that Touch #142 and Touch #24 might have been critical steps in the journey. Without them, Touch #300 may never have occurred.
300 TOUCHES reminds me – there’s no such thing as an insignificant interaction. I can’t know what Jesus does with what seems to me to be a completely meaningless encounter.
I think a great deal about the notion of TOUCHES – when I write, when I post on social media. Even when I encounter people in my neighborhood or on the bike trail. I try to remember – I can’t know where this particular interaction might be in the chain.
I also hope The Freedom Tour is a touch for the kids at the Home of Hope.
I hope knowing about these crazy people on the other side of the world who love them and ride bikes to support them might be Touch #37 on their way to knowing Jesus loves them.