The Inconvenient Chicken

Yesterday, I went on a run, not my usual jog, an actual run, and this is why… frustration makes for a good workout.

Do you know what the MOST EXPENSIVE thing is about this wedding? The food. Plain and simple, no getting around it, even doing it as cheaply as possible, by far, it will be the food that really costs us.

Here’s the thing. I’m certainly not going to look back and think, wow, that chicken was just the most delectable thing I’ve ever digested. It’s just not going to happen. I’m getting married to the guy I’m going share life and laughs with for the rest of… forever. Do you really think I’m going to remember the food?

I’m just telling you, I won’t. It may be the best chicken I will ever eat, (though I know it won’t be since we’re not actually even having chicken), but I’m just saying, I have this feeling I may be distracted by bigger things.

Feeding that many people is just inconvenient. And so is the cost. (Now maybe if I could get my list to a reasonable number… I hate weddings…).

But the reason I was so frustrated yesterday was because of the complacency of the church. I was upset because people, especially Christians, are often the LAST people to do the little things because they’re INCONVENIENT. And then we call missing out on those seemingly small things, being focused on the bigger picture.

“Well I didn’t get around to talking with my neighbor yesterday because I had to go right from work to bible study to prayer group.” Your kingdom come, Your will be done, right?

But guys, have we considered that it’s the very things we’re neglecting, the little friendly conversations with new people, and encouraging cards we never get around to sending, that really are His will? The very things that will make His kingdom come.

Think about it. Who are the “lost” people you’re missing out on connecting with because you’re running from church activity to church activity, to fellowship with people who are already connected to God? The cashier checking out your groceries, the mom sitting beside you at a t-ball game, the waiter bringing your food, the Exxon clerk ringing you out for your over-priced tank of gas… are you neglecting those people because you’re in a rush and those conversations are “inconvenient” because you’re on a schedule so you can complete “the bigger things?”

I have a feeling those seemingly small people, are the people that are “the bigger things.” That they really are, “Your kingdom come.”

We need to stop being lazy. Do you want to be a Christian or do you want to follow Jesus? I wish those things were synonymous, but sadly in our culture, they just aren’t. And here’s the difference, following Jesus is taking action. You can be a Christian and talk about following Jesus, or you can just go do it.

Feeding 200 people a nice meal is neither convenient nor cheap, but I guess it is a nice way to thank them all for sharing in your special day. It’s a good way to offer fellowship and connect special people to special people (because if they aren’t special, Lord knows I don’t have room for them on my list.)

Exercising, running, going to the gym, for a seminary student, planning a wedding, mentoring multiple girls, and trying to be intentional about reaching out and building relationships and maintaining the ones they already have, is FAR from convenient. But it’s important for the health of my body and the health of my future.

Just like taking the time to do the “inconvenient” things, like talking to the bank attendant while they deposit your money, stopping to chat with the elderly man sitting on the bench outside your library, or having a few minute conversation with someone who is new and looks a little lost after your church service instead of going to catch up on the past week with your close friends, are necessary for the health and future of the body of the church.

Real life is never convenient, but chasing after idealistic and selfish goals, won’t get us anywhere. It might be worth saving ourselves the time and doing the small things right so the big things take care of themselves.

What are you chasing after?


Wedding Count:
136 days- 5 miles