“He shows no favoritism; God treats all people alike." ~ Act
10:34
Andrew was a big city kid – always
had been, hoped he’d always be. The
sense of freedom, the limitless activities, the anonymity it provided. But when his company offered him a promotion
in a small, rural town, Andrew felt instantly apprehensive.
He’d been warned that small towns were deceptively quiet –
feelings run deep often leading to conflicts at a very personal level. Everyone knows everyone else’s business. But then again, it might just be the jolt he
needed to jump-start a rather dull, uneventful existence.
He walked along a main street that hadn’t changed much in 75
years. Across the street, 3 older men
sat in the shade of an awning outside the general store. They waved. Andrew smiled to himself at the Americana
picture they depicted before shyly returning the gesture.
Entering the diner, a small bell above the door announced
his arrival. A few customers looked up
briefly before returning to their conversations. Behind the counter was an open window to the
kitchen. It had a vintage feel –
original but well kept.
Shirley, a sixty-ish waitress suggested he find a spot
anywhere. Andrew opted for an empty
stool. “What’ll y'all have?” she inquired
before he even had a chance to sit down.
“Whatever you recommend,” he replied, hoping to fit in. Soon she placed a heaping helping of roast
beef, mashed potatoes, green beans and a single slice of white bread. The best he’d eaten in a long time, maybe ever.
As the lunch crowd thinned and hoping to make conversation,
Andrew motioned for a refill. Shirley quickly
obliged. Andrew wondered how many dozen
times she’d done the same today. He
asked, “What kind of people live in this town?”
She answered with a question. “Where’re you from son? What’re people like there?”
“I’m from Chicago,” he responded. “I loved it there – friendly people, lots to
do, I actually hated leaving. Some
disadvantages, but one adjusts.”
“You’re in luck,” Shirley replied. “People here are warm and generous; always
busy. Folks who leave often return.” With that she scanned the diner continuing
her hospitality.
Confused by her response, Andrew stared pensively into his
mug. When she returned to warm his coffee,
Andrew queried the old woman again.
“What if I’d told you that the people where I come from are closed
minded, mean spirited and lazy?”
Mable didn’t think twice before answering. “I’d have said that you surely won’t like it
here. Grinning, she added, “People here
are unfriendly, lethargic and pigheaded.”
Priceless wisdom.
Life’s an endless journey, and at every phase we learn
something new. Some things are taught – others
are caught. The way we judge others is
often just a reflection of our own attitudes and values. Shove preconceived notions out the door by talking
less and listening more in 2017.
Father, help
me to lay down my self-imposed responsibility of judging the heart, motives,
intentions, and actions of the people in my life. Substitute my condemning thoughts with loving
ones; critical with compassionate ones. Amen
