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I didn’t know anything about living a Christian life. I didn’t know anything about church or about church clothing etiquette. I hadn’t a clue what tithing meant. The only thing I knew for sure was that Jesus had forgiven me and I was a believer.
Little Baby Step
It happened this way. Sam, a friend at work, invited me to a guy’s weekend fishing retreat Up North. Picturing lofty mountains, white water rafting, campfires and plenty of beer, I jumped at the chance. It only took a couple hours for me to realize that I was in the midst of a bizarre set of hombres. These tri-muscled young men were more physically fit that I was, but give me a break! They didn’t cuss, they didn’t crack dirty jokes, and they sure as _____ didn’t smoke or drink! I just knew I was in for one long, boring weekend.
The funny thing was, Sam and Gordy and Jim were okay. Well, mostly, anyway. I’ll have to admit, they were a little short in the street-smarts department! Anyway, I didn’t miss any of the things I thought I would. Between practical jokes, horsing around, hiking, boating, and fly-fishing, I had a blast!
Every night before crawling into our tents, we’d make s’mores and roast wieners and marshmallows around a campfire. The leader, Coach Kyle, read passages from the Bible while some of the others told how Jesus had changed them. It sounded plenty corny, but hey, I couldn’t complain. They treated me with respect.
I guess I was the most surprised of the group when I prayed with Coach Kyle to accept God into my life. I’ll tell you what—I came home from that trip different!
Little Baby Step
This whole religious scene was new to me, and I made plenty of mistakes along the way; still do, as a matter of fact. Did you know there are a mess of different Bibles to choose from?! Versions, they call ‘em. The saleslady must have been a Christian, too, ‘cause she was mighty patient, explaining the differences.
Little Baby Step
I got involved in a Bible Study (Small Group, they call it) where I have been learning more about God. We hang out in different homes, talking about anything and everything and even goofing off some before we get into the Word. And then we have homemade snacks and goodies!
Little Baby Step
Picking out a church wasn’t hard, because the small group guys had my back now, and they took me right along with them every Sunday. They never said a thing about my choice of dress, although I could see right off that my cut-off jeans, Miller-Lite tee shirt, and biker vest were a little much for some of the other people to stomach. (I guess my nose ring didn’t help, either.) There was this old man in a three-piece suit and tie (I thought he was stopping by on his way to a funeral or wedding or something) who gave me a surprisingly firm handshake and clap on my shoulder, along with a huge smile and a wink! I remember thinking, “If this guy likes me, maybe my clothes don’t matter so much.” (It wasn’t long before I gave up the nose ring—it just didn’t seem important to me anymore.)
Little Baby Step
My old drinking buddies are always ribbing me about my newfound “religion.” It wasn’t long, though, before I got the old urge to join them for a Saturday night out on the town, and pulled a real all-nighter with them. I didn’t feel so good Sunday morning and was ashamed to show up at church. But Gordy came by with a take-out lunch for me, and told me the whole church was praying for me! I thought maybe they’d have given up on me, but they just won’t let go!
Little Baby Step
That was just the beginning. Now, I’ve been baptized and am a bona fide member of Faith Harvest Church. I’m still a work in progress, but the men here are ready to catch me if I fall and help me back up again. I sure thank God for them and all the others who have sent me cards and prayed for me. They even took an offering to cover some doctor bills I had a while back.
I’m actually bringing Hal with me to the next Small Group meeting! And, if that don’t beat all, I don’t know what does!
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