There are always idiosyncrasies and unique happenings within any community. Things you should say yes to. Things you should be excited about. Things that make your nose twitch, your ears hot, and your heart beat faster. There are those things at Southwest Central which are so fun and worth it, like other places. Many of ours have to with people, many of them…worth…it. Experiences you should let yourself have, just so you can see, taste, smell, touch, feel, and sense the presence of our good God. Here are the ones I have seen:
When Beverly Thetford invites you to her house for a meal…you should go. You won’t be disappointed by the feast and compassion, and God will be glorified. Go!
When Phil Rice calls you his “Christian brother” (or invites you to Happy Hour), lean in to it. You will find yourself encouraged, and God will be glorified. Lean in!
When Novie Booker offers to pray with you, take her hands gladly. You won’t be disappointed, and God will be glorified. Let her!
When the Tuckers invite you to a fellowship meal in their home, allow yourself to be blessed. You won’t be disappointed in the friendship or the food, and God will be glorified. Accept!
When Jeff Knauss asks if you want to come golf with him, joyfully take the offer. You won’t be disappointed in the time with him, and God will be glorified in the beauty of easy going friendship. Go!
When Bobbie wants to offer reflection in a conversation, hear it. You won’t be disappointed, and God will be glorified. Stop and listen!
When Mikey offers to help with any event or personal situation, allow her. You won’t be disappointed with thoughtfulness and creativity, and God will be glorified. Say yes!
When Michael B shares thoughts on music and lyrics and his faith, hear it out. You won’t be disappointed by his passion and wisdom, and God will be glorified. Listen!
When Steve Sargent thinks about the presence of God, listen carefully. You won’t be disappointed by his nearness to Gods heart, and God will be glorified. Engage it!
When Chelsea or Luci ask to preach, relish it. You will not be disappointed by the faithful voice and pure hearted challenge, and God will be glorified. Relish it!
When Steve Sandifer asks if you need help with a home project, be gleeful! You will not be disappointed by his wisdom and his presence, and God will be glorified. Say yes!
When our church sits around tables instead of pews for church, sit down surrounded in love. You will not be disappointed by the family and the friendship, and the old school celebration of communion, and God will be glorified. Sit down and open your mind!
When Elana want to go out with you and marry you, say yes indeed! You will not be disappointed by her direct love, passion, loyalty, and flexibility, and God will be glorified. Wait…I will not be disappointed, and I have seen God glorified, and I’m glad I said yes! No one else can now.
When you are invited to our church, cautiously accept. You won’t be disappointed by our unique love and trust in Gods voice among our people, and God will be glorified. Come!
When you listen to 7 different preaching voices throughout the year, keep your ears open. You won’t be disappointed by the multitude of perspectives and ways to read the word of God, and God will be glorified. Be challenged!
These are just a few. What are yours??