Tonight we visited with my childhood pastor and his family. They are integral part of my past and the development of my Christian walk.
They came to our church when I was six years old. We were part of the core group that saw the church frow from 200 to 3000, we sacrified to build the new church, we were involved in a million different ministries with them. We spent many hours at their house praying for the community, learning more about Christ, laughing, eating, talking, and sharing. Well as a kid I was running around causing commotion but I was aware of what they were doing.
Tonight was no different. We laughed, reminisced, and shared. It was great to be with them again. I forgot how hospitable, comfortable, and caring they are. Spending time with them reminds me that they were a large part of the reason I loved church as a kid.
Walking into their house was like returning to a version of or part of me that I forgot I was. It was nice, a soft blanket of warm-fuzzy memories. I think part of that comfort is because I don’t have to go through the “get-to-know-you” rituals. They already know me. I don’t have to answer the same superficial questions. Even though I haven’t seen them for years we pick up right where we left off. It’s easier to laugh and just be myself. They’ve already seen me at my worst. They already know how I am. They already love me. What a gloriously easy conversation it is.
“Walking into their house was like returning to a version of or part of me that I forgot I was. It was nice, a soft blanket of warm-fuzzy memories. I think part of that comfort is because you don’t have to go through the “get-to-know-you” rituals. They already know me. I don’t have to answer the same superficial questions.”
Oh friend, I can relate to this. I’m not sure the rituals are for others, for us or just bad habits. I imagine Christ was never “on” for people. That’s probably how he melted their hearts. Or ticked them off.