An impression you can't take back

When you go out on a date with someone for the first time, you spend a lot of time getting ready. For girls probably a little longer then guys. But you still try to look your best because first impressions are very important. It's a lasting impression that you have on that person. You can spend HOURS getting ready and still leave a bad impression. Your attitude tends to leave more of an impression than your dress.

When I met my husband, my friend was going to meet him. She spent time getting ready and she looked wonderful. I was there in the living room as they were meeting for the first time. She wasn't very talkative so I spent a lot of time talking, which is super normal for me. I was in sweats, hair up in a bun, and drinking a beer. I didn't know anything about him, so I asked typical conversation starters. Where do you work? Do you like it? What do you do in your spare time? Just getting to know him, even though I honestly didn't care.

The night ended, not so great. But that's another story for another day. I remember him being very nice and respectful. The biggest memory I had from that night was playing Wii. I wasn't there to get to know him. He remembers that night for different reasons but I left an impression on him. As did my friend. 

Saturday my mom and I went to Kathy's for breakfast. I'd never been before so I got to have the first time experience. When I walked in I was greeted with a VERY friendly lady who asked how many were in my party. I said 3, Joseph, my mother, and myself. Then corrected myself. "Well, technically 2 and a half." She laughed and said 2 and a little man. She glanced at Joseph and instantly light up and started talking to him. I wasn't overwhelmed at how amazing their pancakes were, or how good the coffee was, I couldn't even tell you what my server was wearing. I remember that first interaction that I had there. 

It's the same way with Church. Your first impression isn't what the congregation is wearing. Your first impression is the interaction that you have with the people. If you are treated like an outsider, you become an outsider. I'm not saying that it isn't nice to dress up on Sunday's or it's wrong. I'm just saying that you aren't going to remember if the person you interacted with first had holes in their pants or if they were wearing a 3 piece suit. You are going to remember how nice the people were.

I attended Elevation Church in Roanoke VA a few times. I loved it. The people were so nice and friendly. They were genuine about their excitement to see me. Their enthusiasm overshadowed any flaw they might have experienced that Sunday. It didn't even feel like I was watching a pastor on a screen. Their church isn't successful because of the amount of money they have, the pastoral staff being highly educated. It's the people that put their blood, sweat, and tears into the ministry. Their dedication, love, and overall personalities. 

That's why your first impression doesn't need to be about how good you look, but how big your heart is in loving others.