Old Times
Stories
Lectionary Tales For The Pulpit
Series IV, Cycle A
When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed). (vv. 38--41)
After church one Sunday, my family and I had lunch with an old friend. For nearly four years we had lived twenty miles apart, but had rarely seen each other. I call Marie my friend, but that really doesn't describe the relationship. When I was between the ages of five and nine, she was my babysitter and second mother. She was Mrs. Reece back then. Her only child had graduated and moved off to college. She had a strong love for little children.
When I was a kid, I loved going to Mrs. Reece's house. She had a basement filled with toys waiting to be explored. There was a drawer beneath a window seat in the dining room that also had toys and games. There were stairs leading to the second floor that also became my playground. I would jump from the first step to the floor and then move up one step and jump again. This continued until I got hurt or too scared to go any higher. I also liked to sit on the steps and scoot down step by step.
But as neat as the house and toys were, the best thing about going to Mrs. Reece's house was Mrs. Reece. She loved children and as a child, you sensed that. I don't know why she didn't have more children, but she should have. She had the love to give. But I guess it didn't matter, she found more children to love. I was fortunate to be one of them.
On that Sunday afternoon 24 years later, I had lunch with Mrs. Reece. She still loved children and my three--year--old son, Spencer, had discovered this. Maybe it's osmosis. Even though he had never been to her house and didn't really know her, he overcame his normal initial shyness displayed at new places and around new people. He immediately explored the house and acted as if everything was normal procedure. We had an outstanding home--cooked meal and a lovely conversation. Finally it was time to leave, but before we left, Mrs. Reece joked to Spencer about staying and spending the night. After knowing her for two hours, he accepted her invitation without hesitation. As I've said, Mrs. Reece has a way with children.
My wife and I discussed this on the drive back home. I mentioned Mrs. Reece's demeanor as the reason Spencer would accept her so readily. As parents, we've noticed several adults who try to force themselves on children. They are generally nice people, but they haven't allowed enough time for our kids to develop a rapport with them. Mrs. Reece has a way of being inviting to children without being pushy. She pointed out the toys and then went about her business. She first let Spencer come to her instead of fawning all over him. She asked a couple of simple questions that are important to a three--year--old. Spencer felt comfortable, and consequently, he responded well to her.
During this discussion, it became apparent to me that we could learn a lot from Mrs. Reece about sharing our faith. All too often, generally nice people with good intentions get too pushy with their faith. We don't wait to develop a comfortable rapport. Or we get so uptight about sharing our faith that our discomfort becomes discomforting. As Christians, we need to be inviting and friendly - engaging people when they feel comfortable. When people feel comfortable, they will respond. Jesus' invitation to John's disciples was a simple, "Come and see." Andrew's invitation to his brother Simon was much the same. Neither invitation was heavy--handed - just like Mrs. Reece.
After church one Sunday, my family and I had lunch with an old friend. For nearly four years we had lived twenty miles apart, but had rarely seen each other. I call Marie my friend, but that really doesn't describe the relationship. When I was between the ages of five and nine, she was my babysitter and second mother. She was Mrs. Reece back then. Her only child had graduated and moved off to college. She had a strong love for little children.
When I was a kid, I loved going to Mrs. Reece's house. She had a basement filled with toys waiting to be explored. There was a drawer beneath a window seat in the dining room that also had toys and games. There were stairs leading to the second floor that also became my playground. I would jump from the first step to the floor and then move up one step and jump again. This continued until I got hurt or too scared to go any higher. I also liked to sit on the steps and scoot down step by step.
But as neat as the house and toys were, the best thing about going to Mrs. Reece's house was Mrs. Reece. She loved children and as a child, you sensed that. I don't know why she didn't have more children, but she should have. She had the love to give. But I guess it didn't matter, she found more children to love. I was fortunate to be one of them.
On that Sunday afternoon 24 years later, I had lunch with Mrs. Reece. She still loved children and my three--year--old son, Spencer, had discovered this. Maybe it's osmosis. Even though he had never been to her house and didn't really know her, he overcame his normal initial shyness displayed at new places and around new people. He immediately explored the house and acted as if everything was normal procedure. We had an outstanding home--cooked meal and a lovely conversation. Finally it was time to leave, but before we left, Mrs. Reece joked to Spencer about staying and spending the night. After knowing her for two hours, he accepted her invitation without hesitation. As I've said, Mrs. Reece has a way with children.
My wife and I discussed this on the drive back home. I mentioned Mrs. Reece's demeanor as the reason Spencer would accept her so readily. As parents, we've noticed several adults who try to force themselves on children. They are generally nice people, but they haven't allowed enough time for our kids to develop a rapport with them. Mrs. Reece has a way of being inviting to children without being pushy. She pointed out the toys and then went about her business. She first let Spencer come to her instead of fawning all over him. She asked a couple of simple questions that are important to a three--year--old. Spencer felt comfortable, and consequently, he responded well to her.
During this discussion, it became apparent to me that we could learn a lot from Mrs. Reece about sharing our faith. All too often, generally nice people with good intentions get too pushy with their faith. We don't wait to develop a comfortable rapport. Or we get so uptight about sharing our faith that our discomfort becomes discomforting. As Christians, we need to be inviting and friendly - engaging people when they feel comfortable. When people feel comfortable, they will respond. Jesus' invitation to John's disciples was a simple, "Come and see." Andrew's invitation to his brother Simon was much the same. Neither invitation was heavy--handed - just like Mrs. Reece.
