The service is starting right about... now.
It is always an interesting experience, being late for church. For me, it isn't an altogether infrequent experience either, so perhaps that makes me uniquely qualified to reflect upon it.
I usually go through a few emotions throughout the process of waking up, getting ready, and heading out the door. When it dawns on me that we aren't "going to make it," my reaction of anxiety and frustration is probably more telling than I'd like. If you asked me what the purpose of Sunday morning services was, I would tell you something along the lines of "It is to gather as God's people and worship together, enjoying fellowship with God and with each other." Naturally, therefore, being late for and missing part of this event should elicit sadness and disappointment, not anxiety and frustration. The fact that I am anxious reveals that I'm afraid what people will think of me, being late... again. I'm afraid that they won't think well of me - I'm afraid that they will think I'm just not very serious about this whole church thing. And I'm frustrated at whatever made me late, whether that's me or something else, ensuring that the whole trip to Church will be a very wonderful experience for all, including the other drivers on the road who get to experience my extra-charitable I'm-late-for-Church Sunday morning driving habits.
A friend told me about a greeter at his church who was probably not gifted for that kind of ministry. If someone came in late, he would angrily point to his watch and hiss "the service starts at ten thirty, not ten forty-five!!" I guess sometimes I think everyone feels that way - or worse - that God feels that way.
But this morning I'm trying to remind myself of the truth: that I don't need to fear what people will think. That instead I should I should try to please my Father in heaven, who cares infinitely more about my heart than when I clock into the morning service.
The greeters at our church remind me of God that way. I always expect a frown, a smirk, a sarcastic comment, or even a glance at the watch accompanied by a slow shaking of the head, but instead I always get a big genuine smile with a hearty handshake and "welcome!"
And that's exactly the kindness and grace a late person needs.
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As a chronically late person myself (Is this hereditary do you think? You might be able to blame your parents...) I appreciate your post and your reflection on this matter. When I run something, I always consider it appropriate to start about five minutes later than advertised (a little grace period). Likewise, I am not offended when things end a little later than expected... I guess it just depends on how you're wired. I'm always surprised that some people consider it more important to start and stop on time, rather then accommodate the needs of the group. But, I have to admit that some things need to run on time otherwise the system falls down -- like a school or shifts at work. I know that the reason I am often late is because I do not consider punctuality a high priority and I am not willing to make better plans, hurry and generally go "against the grain" of my personality to change this. Put that way, I guess it is all fairly selfish... I'll have to think about this some more.
ReplyDeleteBut I do agree with your conclusion, we all need kindness and grace -- even those people who are chronically on time and sticklers about it!
Mom
AMEN!
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