What You See Is What You Get?

Had a humbling day on Thursday.  After attending a chamber networking event I decided to go out to breakfast.  I love to support the local, small businesses in our community so I ventured over to one of my favorites.  It was 9 am so the breakfast rush was gone.  Other than one table of regulars I had the place to myself.  That meant that I could engage the waitress in more meaningful conversation than regularly during a rush.

Before I could say much, she asked me if she knew me from somewhere.  I thought she looked familiar but before I could say anything she said "Rukos" you come in on Sunday mornings!"

She was right, that is a restaurant I will frequent on Sunday mornings after the church is open and things set up.  I take my iPad and go over my message notes one last time.  So I said she was right and that I'm a pastor and I go there to review my message for the day.

Then she, without hesitation, cut me to the quick, she said, "Yeah I thought you were just a jerk!"  She then proceeded to explain hat she meant.  She would try to be very attentive to me when waiting on me, asking if my meal was Ok, and if I wanted more coffee.  Her comment was, I'm glad you have explained what you were doing because you always seemed so not pay any attention to me, so I just assumed you were a jerk."

She then perked up and explained how she was looking for a church, wanted to know the worship times, do we have anything for kids - really interested.  And while I was excited at the prospect of a new family coming to The Grove, her comments, "I thought you were "just a jerk" was ringing in my ears. Unfortunately she isn't the first person to sarcastically say that I am a bit too serious or focused on Sunday mornings.  While I may feel justified because I want things to go right and especially want to be all I can be, I guess I can come off as "just a jerk".

So I've determined in my mind, and resolved in my heart to be more attentive, loosen up, and relax more.  God redeemed a relationship that had no chance of being a valid witness for Christ as long as I was presenting myself this way.  Pray for me - and for this young woman and family that we can laugh about this as her family gets reconnected to the body of Christ.

The Jerk

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God — even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved."
(1 Cor. 10:31-33)