Have you ever done something that didn't like doing for so long that every time you see someone, somewhere doing that something you start shudder in disgust? Not disgust of that person, mind. Not even disgust of that activity, but a general disgust of the feeling that so many people describe as "burn out"
So, for that last 10 months I have been living in a low-income apartment complex, with the idea in mind that me and my roommates are going to build community by sharing the love of Jesus in real, tangible ways. And in doing this, we would rescue the broken people from a broken world... or else give them a brief solace.
Part of our building community has been the idea of doing community meals, for which we invite all of our 200 hundred residents to a meal that a local church provides and we host. Then we eat, listen to the needs of people, meet them where and when we can, and share the good news of Christ! Its good! and fun! and rewarding! except....
the invitations.
going door,
to door,
to door,
etc.
...
knock knock.... no one's there.... knock knock.... still no one, so I leave a flyer saying when the meal will be in the door. as I'm doing this I look down and see the flyers from the last three meals strewn about the patio.
I hate/fear/dislike a whole lot, rejection.
THIS IS FREE FOOD!!!
we're not making anybody listen to a sermon first.
we're not calling people poor!
let's just meet our neighbors and have some of that good ol' Obama change!
I do this every week for 7 months,
then I we start doing it every other week for the summer months.
but still we have events, like Kids party's that local church's put on.
and summer lunch programs for kids,
and donation give away's,
and bible study's,
for which I go door,
to door,
to door,
feeling the same sense of rejection, the same hatred of passing out flyers.
there has to be a better way!
I don't know how the carpet baggers did it!
or those people down town that want you to save the world by giving your money to people who don't know how to change the world with it?
I better end it here, I have to make up a flyer for a thing this saturday...
save me lord.
Did you ever think that maybe behind those doors that have fliers "from the last 3 meals" strewn about is a vacant apartment?
ReplyDeleteBut more importantly, have you ever thought about why you feel so much rejection for other peoples actions that have nothing to do with you? I don't think that's healthy. Besides, it's not all about you Tyrone. :P
While I always dread doing fliers as well, I always finish exhilerated by the chats with neighbors and smiles from children and excited by how God is moving.
What's this Saturday anyhow?
ReplyDeleteTryone,
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine having to be so dedicated as you do, passing out fliers/making them every single week. And the times I participated with you I always dreaded as well... BUT...
One thing I want to say to encourage you: I never realized how much you dreaded passing out fliers. You have always had a positive attitude and seem always willing to pass out the fliers. So thank you for at least putting on that happy face and being a "JOY" as you go door to door.
I would always think to myself, "come on Alison, Tyrone has to do it every week and He isn't complaining, Why are you!" :)
It definitely isn't the most rewarding job, and it is draining in its own unique way... But thank you for your dedication to your ministry. I pray that God would fill you with his strength to continue passing out those fliers, with His Joy!
~Alison