WELCOMING OTHERS

Being with people energizes me!   I realize that my personality thrives on relationships.   One of my many areas of joy is greeting people at the entry of our church on Sundays.   There are about 350 people that I say “hello, good to see you” each week.   I’m full and running over by the time the worship service begins. 

There are a variety of reasons I personally feel that welcoming others is such an important ministry, in fact I’d even say critical.

My husband and I have been to many places and churches through God’s direction, and we’ve been to churches where you can walk in and walk out and never have any personal contact, either verbally, with a smile or an eye connection.

Naturally we are drawn to those we know and feel comfortable with, regardless of the social setting.  For me, welcoming others brings me out of my comfort zone and into the “moment of relational love” on behalf of the Lord Jesus towards every person that comes through the doors at church.

God often encourages me as if to “leave yourself in the car” and go in and “represent Me” to every heart coming through those doors.

Each handshake can be a prayer for that person.  I notice that many people will momentarily linger for a warm handshake, a smile or a hug.   Our lives are to create a compelling environment to help people grow closer and deeper in their love and knowledge of Jesus Christ; and, to help them “be the tangible expression of Christ.” 

Greeting each person is a tremendous joy too, because in the manner in which we greet another person, we have the opportunity to express to them that they are “significant to God.”   I want them to know that before they ever sit down in the sanctuary, that they’ve already been touched by God’s love and acceptance.   

I’ve enjoyed and treasure this outreach in many ways over the years, but there are two scenarios that will be forever etched in my memory.

I woke up one Sunday morning in a not too good frame of mind.  I just didn’t “feel like welcoming” that Sunday.  But, thanks to the Lord for working in my heart, I went anyway.  There was a widow who arrived, and I always feel they need a special touch or a hug.  This morning, as this lady approached me, I gave her a hug.   And then, prompted by God, pulled her close again for a longer embrace.   Afterwards she looked at me and said these words:   “Dianne, I needed that this morning.   You are the only one who touches me all week.”

The other Sunday morning encounter was with a vivacious man who always seemed to possess a smile and infectious laugh.  This man slowly approached the church from the parking lot.  His countenance was different this day.   I noticed at a distance of about fifteen feet that another man took notice of him, and I heard him ask, “How are you?”   It took only moments to realize that something very hurtful had happened in this man’s life.

I was busy trying to focus on welcoming the people just in front of me, but I quietly asked the Lord to show me how to tenderly greet this hurting soul that was about to enter my presence.   Tears filled his eyes, and I just asked him to tell me what was happening in his life.

His dear mother had died the previous afternoon.  He was with her when she went “home to be with the Lord.”   He was overwhelmed with sadness and tears.  I want to honor the privacy of our conversation, but suffice it to say, I just put my arms around him and allowed him to cry.  

I’ve experienced loss and I remember only too well, that there are few words known to man that are appropriate at a time like this.   It’s our presence, and a listening ear that speaks volumes of comfort in moments like these.

This man spoke for almost twenty-five minutes of his love for his Mom and the heart-felt grief he was experiencing.   I said very little.  After gaining some personal composure he went into the sanctuary.  I shared that I would be praying for him.  Later that week I sent a small card with a note to let him know I cared.   I also enclosed a tea bag for him to enjoy, realizing that I cared about his loss and the painful journey he was walking through.

Through the coming weeks and months he began to heal and his countenance of joy was returning.   From that time on the bonds of friendship were relived every Sunday morning as he entered the doors.   He said that he would never forget the moments of tenderness that he experienced that memorable day.  Each time we see each other, he reminds me with his infectious laugh, of the tea bag enclosed in his card.   I never imagined that a tea bag would make someone laugh….but it did to him.

We never know the burdens, anxieties, cares and grief that are encased in each person we come across each day, regardless of where we meet them.   It may be at the grocery store, a restaurant where the waitress may not be in a good mood, or even at church, where everyone seems to be “just fine” when you ask them how they are.   

These two experiences have helped fashion how I meet another and ask the question:   “How are you?”   I’ve learned to stick around for a moment or two to let them know that I want to know and listen to how they “really are.”

People may forget what you teach, but they will never forget how you made them feel”   William Buechner