I was sitting at a table during free time at a youth retreat back in February and an adult sat down across from me, sighed, and began to unwrap a chocolate bar. I commented about how the chocolate bar looked good, to which she responded, “I really wanted Doritos but the snack table ran out.” I remembered that, during lunch, the kitchen staff were trying to get me to take a bag of Doritos, remarking that they had a surplus and were trying to get rid of them before they expired. I shared with the woman about this surplus. She immediately ran into the kitchen. Minutes later, she came back, Doritos in hand, beaming with delight.
“THAT’S my job.” I shared.

She had asked me earlier in the day about what brought me joy. This story of the Doritos sums it all up pretty well. I LOVE connecting people with things that they need. I pay attention to where the Doritos are. I listen when people tell me about their lives, their ministries, their joys or concerns. And when I hear that they need Doritos, I help them find where the Doritos are.

Except, it’s not *actually* Doritos. It could be that they are in need of connection with other human beings. It may be that they are looking for a particular curriculum or ministry resource. Sometimes they’re looking for a person who knows things about something they’re wanting to learn more about. Perhaps they are discerning a call to ministry and are looking for either information, a conversation partner, or a resource to help them process their call. With youth, it is often that they are looking for spaces to belong and/or opportunities to explore who they are or what God is calling them to do with their lives. With children it is often a safe place to play and be curious and experiment.

People are always searching for something. Searching for what helps them feel loved, secure, whole, grounded, valued. My greatest joy is when people realize their worth, are able to live fully into their uniqueness, and feel fulfilled in their call.

So when I notice people searching, I pay attention. When I notice things that might be helpful for these things to happen, I mark them in a mental folder. Because *I* didn’t need or want Doritos at lunch that day. But I figured someone would. So I remembered.

one additional note:
Unfortunately, some people think that because Doritos are their preferred item, they only remember where the Doritos are. They only promote the Doritos. They pour all their time and energy into the Doritos. But there are so many other delicious varieties out there that might be more fulfilling for others.

So instead of pushing Doritos, I choose to spend my time listening and paying attention. I search for all the possibilities of resources/people/places/things that might be helpful for people. (And these days, let the algorithm bring the things to me.) And then I spend time with people and stay curious to what people are searching for.

It’s a unique way to do ministry. But that’s what I’m up to these days.

What are YOU searching for?
What Doritos are you holding on to that are keeping you from experiencing other varieties that might be helpful?
How might you pay attention and stay curious to the world around you?