I frequently feel lonely in crowds. Even at church. Self-esteem issues, I suppose. (We all have them!)
On a recent cool and damp Sunday I was tempted to stay in bed with a book, a cup of coffee, and one of the neighbor’s home-baked cinnamon rolls, while mindlessly chilling out with the TV playing in the background. (Not that I would ever really do that, you understand!)
Instead, I went to church.
My first stop was the men’s room. (Editor to Mark: this sentence is completely unnecessary to your story. Mark to Editor: I’m middle-aged and I’m being real. The sentence stays!) Back in the concourse I encountered a “father” type friend who asked “how are you doing?” When he asks, it’s never a casual question – he really wants to know.
I entered the sanctuary and was greeted by a big dude who gave me a hearty handshake and a genuine “how have you been?” For the first couple years that I knew him, I was afraid of him. He could take me out with both hands tied behind his back, if he wanted. (Fortunately, he hasn’t wanted to…so far!) I enjoy him now.
Rather than simply hand me my bulletin, an usher also gave me a warm greeting. Then I spoke briefly with one of the pastors, who has become a friend.
I found my pew.
(Yes, “my” pew. Remember the 11 th commandment, “thou shalt not messest with thy neighbor’s pew-eth!) I enjoy sitting with friends. (Single people like having people to sit with.) Before the service started, I happened to make eye contact with a friend across the sanctuary. We waved to each other. Another friend a few rows up turned around and gave me a smile and a wave. (Yes, they were greeting me, not the person behind me. WHY would you even question that?!)
Seated ahead of me was a woman holding her very cute granddaughter (about ten months old). Before the service started, she offered me her pacifier. (The baby that is, not the grandma.) And during the service, when I waved at her, she gave me the arched eyebrow, clearly saying “just who do you think you are???” (Again, the baby, not the grandma.)
What’s my point in all this? If I saw someone else getting all the attention, warmth and friendliness that I got that Sunday morning, I’d be jealous of him. I’d think he must be a really cool guy to be so well- liked.
“I will praise You (God) because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139: 14)
(Photo Credit)
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