Vol. 21 No. 34 | August 26, 2019
Recently, I ventured into one of those large outdoor “man” stores in search of that one basic item to I could buy with my coupon.
The banner hanging above the entrance read: “Fall Hunting Classic. It’s your season!” That should have been a clue, but I went in anyway.
I wasn’t there long before I realized I was totally out of my element.
You see, I’ve never purchased a fishing license, so I have all the fishing gear I need (which is none). And the only time I’ve ever been in a deer stand was with my brother, and all I did was drink coffee and talk to my brother.
I have one pair of cargo shorts wear occasionally to do yard work, so I wasn’t tempted by the wide selection of cargo shorts and pants.
And I’ve never thought camouflage clothing was exactly appropriate for preaching, teaching, writing, counseling, or visiting hospice patients.
The only firearm I’ve ever owned was a bee-bee gun I had as a kid. Although I did notice a pretty cool pistol holster on sale. But I decided my iPad wouldn’t fit in it, so I moved on.
After wandering aimlessly for fifteen minutes or so, I gave up, chuckling to myself. Why in the world am I here? With that, I left the Fall Hunting Classic behind, unused coupon still in hand.
Fortunately, my experience was harmless, but there are times when feeling out of our element is not so innocent.
It’s becoming increasingly common to hear about people being bullied or physically harmed simply because they were out of their element and vulnerable.
Some of us have left church assemblies because we sensed someone like us or with our circumstances, wouldn’t be welcomed. Or we may be attending a church where the culture has shifted. and we now feel uncomfortable and disconnected.
And victims of discrimination, abuse, or oppression may wonder if any place will ever feel comfortable and safe.
In some cases, we can laugh at ourselves and move on. But, there are other times when we need to remove ourselves from a place or community for our highest good, regardless of what other people say or think.
But the truth is, even when we feel alone or abandoned, there is always a place where we will be welcome, safe, and love: wherever Jesus is…which is everywhere, s
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
(Matthew 11:28, NIV)
He will give you rest and show you that you belong.
Oh, by the way, that, that hunting season sale ends soon.
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