It was about 100 degrees out, with humidity to match, as we sat in the restaurant-Huey's Kingfisher, on the river in Savannah, Ga. But thanks to the miracle of AC, and tinted glass, we were comfortable, after drinking a pitcher of water. But watching while Coke and Bud trucks unloaded their drinks, and numerous tourists walked by jealously eyeing us, and as our waitress with a New York accent waited on us, and as I ordered Jambalaya, all from a seat overlooking the River District, I could have been anywhere, but I was here. And here was a good place to be. Especially the beignets-don't get between them and my wife! But I grinned as I thought to myself, how many tourists never see this side of life when travelling. They go on vacation, but never vacate. True, they may fly to their destination, but they never go anywhere, as they eat at Mickey D's, stay with tour groups, or travel the freeways. They miss America-and America is a great place to be-and see.
We all have comfort zones, and don't like to leave them. I have watched as customers order their food a special way, in a restaurant known for their specialty-only to have them comment later the food is the same at home. No it isn't-you are. Ask Theresa about the beignets! But yet we don't wish to try anything different, sometimes just because it is different. And we are the poorer for it.
Did you know you can travel over 1000 miles, in three states, and not see a Mickey D, or a Wal-Mart? And eat better! For less! And eat fresh fruit pies, or delicacies you may not try anywhere else? We did, as from Cheyenne, Wyoming to the middle of Minnesota. And lived to tell about it. Note-I will not diverge the route, as these chains may invade them-I don't wish that to be my fault.
Did you realize that diners in the northeast still serve platter sized breakfasts, for about $3.50 a meal? No super sizing or toys-just good food and plenty of it-for a fair price. BBQ pits in the south offer meals you can't finish for around $10! And if you order large-they mean LARGE! Be warned. But it takes a decision on your part to try something different, to be bold and daring. To not be captive to habit, or tradition, but to get out of the ordinary, and live!
If you never try, you will never fail. But in reality, you have failed already. And when sharing Christ so many have incorrect prejudices. Based on truth, then turned into propaganda. When threatened with church, they equate rules, regulations, suits and ties, boring sermons, Sunday mornings wasted, and I think you get the picture. True-and if you want all those things they are available. But why? Jesus promises freedom, and the truth. And the ability to enjoy yourself-blessings are what He calls them. Poured out-overflowing. But sadly, so many avoid Jesus because of these misconceptions, or are stuck in a church that is all these things, and thinks all churches are the same. WRONG!
I challenge you this Sunday to try a church that is alive. Talk to your friends, we all know at least one Christian, and ask them. And go prepared for a fresh truth, true love, and not a standardized text based on years of the same old thing. Jesus Christ adds life. Whether in Savannah, or Cheyenne, or LA, or wherever you are. The choices are there-freedom in Christ, or the same old religion. Your choice to make.
Beignets? Little pastries, fried, and then covered in powdered sugar. Don't like the name? Or the description? Try smiling with one in our mouth, or powdered sugar down the front of you! Jesus? Try saying that name without a smile on your face, from your heart.
Jesus Christ-bigger portions, more flavor, and more filling. All for the same price as a #1. Real food, for the soul. Prepared fresh, and served just for you.
If it were your last supper, where would you eat? Treat each day the same way-life is for the living! Now for desert, is it beignets in Savannah, chocolate ice box pie in Birmingham, or woopie pies in Two Lights? If you don't go you will never know. Try Jesus today!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com