What's So Great About Church

So, what can table fulls of chili dogs, chips, drinks, tacos, vegetarian egg rolls (!) and watermelon do for your day? Well, for me, it can keep the last class of the day from seemingly draggin on.

It seems the president's offices have been out the last couple of days serving free food to students on campus. That's a nice gesture. I couldn't help but make a church connection as I had them pile on some extra cheese.

Some of them were wearing long sleeve shirts and slacks; so, maybe it was the heat. There was a DJ and she did her job. I could hear the music from each of the buildings I was in; so, maybe it was a little too loud for some of them. Maybe they hadn't had their share of Ruffles and watermelon slices yet. Whatever the reason--and I'm not discouraging them for the idea at all--it just seemed some of the personnel had other things on their minds or would have rather been some place else.

I've had my run in with those people in the churh that have had the same kinds of looks. It's hapened before I was a Christian, afterward and both before and after becoming a local pastor. I just wonder what it is that it seems so many of us would rather be doing. Perhaps we do have other things to do (other than save souls).

Barbara Ruth wrote an article a few months ago in our conference newspaper. It came at a perfect time for me. One of those letters I've wanted to write was to her thanking her for her comments. She wrote on the sin of cynicism. Her focus was on the clergy. But I think could very easily cross clergy/laity lines.

Here's her article:
Sin of cynicism may keep young adults
from participating in life of our churches

It gave me a little hope when I needed it that I won't end up like I see (percieve) some colleagues in ministry. Maybe I actually believe what I tell everyone--that its not just being a little younger that allows me to be so excited all the time, but the joy of the Lord stuff is real.

Anyways, I've taken up too much of your day. Go get a hot dog. Stay blessed...john