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Table Manners (Vol. 5, No. 4)
Doesn’t seem possible that just a year ago, our same group of family pilgrims made the short journey to the downtown Yesterday, I noticed that this year’s offerings were much the same. Pancakes, sausage, and a choice of drink. Plenty of butter and maple syrup. All served on long, common tables. No distinction in class among those served. I found it no coincidence that Preacher Mike chose to bring us together with table thoughts in church this morning. Our attention was bounced from the “invisible children” of Uganda to the unlikely tablemates of the “southeastern White House” in Washington, D.C. – where the homeless and the powerful sit together to share a special meal each week. And from there Preacher Mike directed our gaze to our neighbors surrounding us. They all have a place at the table. Or, at least they should, Preacher Mike reminded us. Many of us have been glad to share our tables – at least with people who look like us, dress like us, and act like us. Proper manners would insist that the guests at our tables conform to our traditions and guidelines. But Preacher Mike noted that God’s table has lots of room for people – but little room for the rules that would keep people away. That thought stuck with me during our recital of the Lord’s Prayer. Those few phrases are among the best-known of scripture. As my fellow worshipers joined aloud . . . “Our Father, who art in Heaven” . . .I noticed that a voice just behind me and to the left . . . “hallowed be thy name” . . . was not quite in rhythm with the rest of us. The voice belonged to a lady from our neighborhood. And because the neighborhood around our church building is different from where the rest of us live, she is different from the rest of us. Yet, over the past few years, those differences, although no less noticeable, have diminished in importance. In fact, those differences have become endearing. Our neighbor has become our friend and a vital part of our family. “Thy Kingdom come” . . . her words were distinct echoes. Clear, distinct and immediately behind the rest – compounded by her regional drawl. And loud. She is not embarrassed to participate heartily and enthusiastically. A more blessed and precious enunciation exists nowhere this side of heaven. There was a time when I might have thought that this kind lady should be taken aside and politely, but firmly told to get in step with the rest of us – or at least speak more quietly. But no more. “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” The rest of us finished “heaven” just as she was getting there. Her “heaven” was completely separate. But instead of her cacophonic timing being distracting, her forceful presentation filled the quiet in a way that was natural. It was then that I realized that there truly is no “rest of us” – just us. A few minutes later, my neighbor was packing up to go. The service wasn’t over, but she has an important job on Sunday mornings. You see, she’s the slightly different lady who stands in the halls and welcomes others to this table – her church family. All in all, I would say her table manners are impeccable. Shine On! Copyright 2005 Joe L. Cope
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