Sunday mornings are my favorite.
I’ve picked out my clothes on Saturday night because I want to be all prepared as I wake before all others in my home. Plus, I want to look cute, I won’t lie.
Sundays mean, we as a church body huddle up together, get encouraged, learn more about the God we serve and love on our friends.
I sit in the 4th row. It’s my comfort spot. Why? Not sure but I don’t think I’m the only other person who sits in the same spot every week. My friend Lara sits behind me, my small group usually sits in front of me. I love to see my friends each and every week.
I also enjoy meeting new people.
Today, as I sit in my same seat, a new person sits in front of me. He comes in during worship.
I notice he carries a backpack.
I notice he is not super clean and that he has an odor.
My mind immediately goes to homelessness. I have many homeless friends. Sometimes I smell too. I work outside so yeah I stink too.
As my mind wanders to the gentleman in front of me……..Charma really? Why are you fixating on his personal appearance?
As soon as he turns around I make eye contact and I shake his hand and introduce myself. I am so grateful to meet you. He gives me his name with a smile.
He sits alone and others notice his odor as well.
Now I can’t do a thing about his appearance but I can make him feel welcome.
I can’t make other people accept him but I grab the back of his seat while we sing and pray for him. I pray that he sees Jesus in me.
I don’t say this to say “look at me, how accepting I am of someone different then me” I say this so maybe you will take a moment and pray for my new friend Shaun.
Pray that he’s sees Jesus and that he feels Jesus’ love in so many other ways today.
Happy Sunday friends.