It's January, it's cold. Let's talk about something else.

I was having lunch the other day with a friend. He's a guy I like to get together with because he's fun, we've been involved in a lot of the same activities, and he says what he thinks. It's a good combination. At some point, the conversation changed direction a bit. We started tossing around ideas for the future. Along the way, there was a convergence of passion with potential opportunity to serve others in a new way. When that occurred, he came alive and it became probably the best lunch meeting we've ever had.

Two things I took from this: One, there's nothing like spending time with someone when they are sharing about something they are passionate about. Second, we've got to be more intentional about discovering people's gifts and passions and then find a way to encourage and equip them wherever they are -  in church, in their neighborhood, at work, at school, etc.

The next time you're having lunch with someone, try talking about something other than the weather (unless you're eating with Al Roker). Ask questions. Find out what's stirring inside them. The dreams and ideas God is placing in you just might intersect with their passion. When that happens, look out!