Think of your typical Sunday. You’ve woken up to the sound of a little rain patting down on your window and the sweet smell of a warm brew coming from the other room. You look at the time and realize in one short hour you’ll be on your way to church, a place you find comfort and satisfaction within. As you load the car with your belongings for the day and venture out, you begin reflecting on Jesus, He’s so awesome isn’t He? Today is going to be an opportune time to be like Him to those around you. Pulling into the parking lot, the car in front of you begins to test your patience; it just will not move from the parking spot you were planning to take. Frustrating right? So when you exit your car door, you flash them a look of disgust and proceed to walk in the doors. Now you’re late and may not get the seat you wanted close to the front where you feel most connected during worship. Concerned with the time, you say a quick hello to the greeters, but when trying to have deeper conversation, you surpass them quickly. Once in the room, your seat is taken and a few options are there -- one next to a man a little roughly dressed and the other a clean cut businessman. You take the seat next to the businessman and begin to listen to the service. All of a sudden you watch the man from the seat you chose not to sit in get up and make his way to the stage. “What is he doing?” you think to yourself. Soon he takes the mic and starts to speak, “hello my brothers and sisters I am your pastor.” Your mouth drops open...what?? The man who you gave a dirty look to, who you gave a quick hello to, who you chose not to sit next to is your pastor? What a surprise!!! In that moment it hits you -- what happened to the goal you made only two short hours ago? In the hustle and bustle of priorities, loving others took a back seat, completely unintentionally.
Whether we think consciously about this all the time or not, this scenario has the potential to happen almost every day. As humans we are constantly busy, and our small contact with people are progressive throughout the whole day. You are fighting your battles of the day and so are those around. It can so easily be forgotten that not just the big moments, but the small, matter. From heartfelt smiles, to a simple "have a nice day," the random and tiny acts of kindness have the power to switch one’s spirit from negative to joyful and positive. I also need this reality check. This accountability to remember that people are meant to be loved, and even when things are crazy -- when things are hectic -- it is my duty with each one to leave them feeling just a little more special than they started. A little more loved than they felt before. To be those who always offer a simple hidden welcome.
