The following happens between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

When I arrived at Starbucks, it was empty except for one man sitting at the back of the store. Slowly, I walked back to the table and sat down. Who was the man I had been pursuing?

“Hello Tony. Have a seat.”

Tony: “Who are you?”

Dude at Starbucks: “You know me, but I know you better. I used to know the number of hairs on your head, but they’re a little harder to count now with all the product that you use.”

Tony: “Jesus?”

Jesus: “I am.”

Tony: “You’re the man I’ve been pursuing? Of all people, I’d expect you to have a much better British accent.”

Jesus: “I realize my British accent is not very good. I’ve been too busy trying to learn the Christian accent to better understand my people.”

Tony: “Why? Why have you led me on this wild journey today?”

Jesus: “I wanted to get your attention. I wanted you to get a new perspective. I wanted you to see me in the middle of your circumstances. Did you?”

Tony: “I was too busy.”

Jesus: “I know. Tony, you have to remember that I want you to succeed in the mission I’ve given you, but you can’t succeed on your own. You need me. You need the help of others. You’re not very good by yourself. And you’re certainly no Jack Bauer.”

Tony: “I know.”

Jesus: “I wanted to remind you that your life is part of a bigger story. You may not understand the whole picture at this moment, but I have a plan. My plan is perfect. You are part of it. Be patient. I am with you—day by day and hour by hour.”

Tony: “Thank you for your patience. I don’t deserve it.”

Jesus: “That’s grace. I love to give it. Tony, you need to remember that my story will be fully revealed. For now, though, there is some mystery. That’s the way I designed it. Where there’s mystery, there’s pursuit.”

Tony: “Jesus, while we’re sharing a coffee together, I do have one more question.”

Jesus: “Yes?”

Tony: “What does an elephant’s behind have to do with innovative churches?”

Jesus: “Tony, don’t you get it? It’s not what you think.”