The Visitor

Christmas time at our house, among other things, means "over the riverand through the woods". Long trips for cherished visits with family we rarely see, these have become part of our tradition.

This year's jaunt included a Sunday drive and worship at a church where we had never been before. "New place equals new perspective" was true again, but not before navigating the hazards of being "the visitor".

Where are the restrooms? We're early so where should we go? What should we do? Is it possible to be inconspicuous? All kinds of thoughts and feelings surfaced as we walked up to the door and entered the building. Judy wanted to be inconspicuous, finding a seat at the back of the church as quickly as possible. I wanted to avoid sitting in a regular attendee's seat, noticing how so many had already taken those prime aisle seats at the back of the sanctuary. Once seated, we found ourselves doing a quick check of attire, to see if we fit in.

Amazing, the mental mine field one has to negotiate on a first visit. And that wasn't all. As service began there were the distractions of people coming in late, the temptations of analyzing music, sound and lighting. I am glad to say our experience didn't end there.

Once worship began it took a conscious choice to push past the clutter, but when I did, God met me and I heard from Him in a fresh way. It became an invigorating, refreshing encounter with God, but not without a greater appreciation for the distractions faced by "the visitor".