OOPS!

Sunday I shared in the Beginnings class(our membership track) concerning outward focus and how / why we reach out to our community the way we do...i mentioned the importance of having a positive attitude connected to our positive actions, making sure our walk matches our words... doing so helps us be wise toward those who know not Jesus...


I asked, 'has anyone ever been served by someone with a wrong / bad attitude?' i then gave an example noting a local fast food restaurant...I went in early to ensure we'd have the needed burgers and french fries, when my wife went in to pick the order up....blank stares, duhs etc...half an hour later she received the order...

bad service = leads to bad memories, always ...most people then share their experience with other people... we are the jesus people see, often we forget when we become irritated, or upset by bad service, or when someone drives below our standard or____________ fill in the blank...

I remember being in an auto shop, waiting on someone notable in the Christian community to come in to pick up his car, as he walked in the guys behind the counter, commented... 'Oh no, here comes that jerk again!' The jerk in question often voiced his opinions in public, was demanding, and had a self centered self seeking attitude that leaked consistently...not exactly positive character traits...

We are who we are, and our actions, and attitudes do speak louder than words.

A friend of mine ordered a special meal...when it was delivered to her home she looked through the order...wrong order...she was upset but remembered who she represented...the delivery guy left...a short time later the manager...returned, apologized, and left some extra deserts...she was amazed by his actions and by his humble attitude. Later that week she called the home office and expressed her thanks mentioning the manager by name...She didn't know that the manager has attended the Vineyard for years...his walk is matching his talk.

my OOPS! i mentioned the food chain by name...suddenly, a whole table erupted, 'hey wait a minute', as a lady walked forward saying 'we own that food chain, and here are some complementary sandwich coupons'...needless to say, I dug a hole, was totally embarrassed, etc. I mentioned my wife often says, 'Steve, don't ever mention people by name, or businesses by name.' Duh? I think she is right.

It turned out as a humorous illustration at my expense...par for the course.
it was a good day...Lot's of buzz.