A beautiful witness...

I had it in my head that the cabinet met at Lake Junaluska.
I don't know when meetings at Junaluska stopped. But, sometime before my tenure, the cabinet found a centrally located, comfortable, very hospitable hotel. That's home base for the work of the cabinet.
The one thing that is outstanding about this place we call home for our work together is the unfailing hospitality of the people who work there. From the desk clerk to the cleaning people to repair people to food service waiters, they always are courteous to their guests. In the hallways, behind the desk, at the serving table or in the elevator, if you see a staff person, they are friendly and courteous. Anytime we have a need, they do everything they can to provide what we are lacking and, most noticeable, they consistently serve us with grace and friendliness.
During this year's appointment-making marathon, we had a wonderfully friendly staff person. If we ran out of soft drinks or ice or cups or hot water, she noticed and, before we ever had to ask, she made sure that we had a full stock of supplies with our coffee/tea/water/soft drinks. She couldn't have been more friendly. Nothing she did called attention to herself but all of us were touched by her sweet spirit. There is so much to be said for a sweet spirit.
The day before we left, during her last shift, we spontaneously took up a thank you offering. Every one of us had been touched by her quiet kindness and efficiency. When she came in, we closed the door and made the presentation. To be honest, she looked a little bit afraid. (No wonder, it's a rough crowd ...) When she realized what we were doing, she was smiling from ear to ear. But, before she took the wad of money, she said, "But what is this for?" We enumerated: she had been attentive and thoughtful and smiling all week. And then she looked at us and said, "But that's my JOB! That's what I am supposed to do!"
And I couldn't help but think what a contrast this earnest woman was compared to the griping and complaining and sometimes hostility that we deal with in our churches. My goodness! Church folks -- and here the term is all inclusive--aren't doing their job! But they are still whining and complaining. The difference was stunning.
If many Christians' behavior was on a paying job, they would be fired.
It's our primary responsibility as Christians to show the love of Christ. That means an open heart and respect for all; that means love for neighbors near and far; that means telling the truth and not indulging in the gossip circles; that means being kind and welcoming to all; that means selfless serving to those in need; that means dedicated study and living of God's word. That's our job! And our JOY! And I just wish that church people took their responsibilities to Christ as seriously as the hotel staff at Comfort Inn. Now there's a statement that should give us all pause.