I remember well the times as a teen when out with my friends, that the things of this world grew strangely dim -- which is to say we were so self-absorbed that everyone else was invisible. Really. If you weren't one of us, you didn't exist. We weren't trying to be rude most of the time -- but we weren't trying not to be, either.
Know what? I think I'm seeing that we don't get too much better as we age.
Twice in two months now I've witnessed large parties of adults at restaurants and been ashamed to recognize a common phenomenon: one's consideration of others drops exponentially as the number of friends in one's company increases.
Look around. Or better yet, think back.
I know I have been guilty of talking too loudly, laughing to readily, holding a table too long and maybe even not tipping enough for the inconvenience when out to lunch or dinner with a large group of good friends.
*giggle* Those were really fun times.
But stop.
I wonder if the other patrons' experience was dulled because of our revelry? I wonder if they felt like they spent good money to experience what turned out to be an irritating outing? I wonder if they saw us say "grace" before we ate, and surmised that we were Christians?
And I wonder what they thought of Jesus after that?
I think I will try to make a point of keeping my tables smaller. I think I will politely decline future invitations to large-party dinners, unless there is a separate room made available. It's just not worth the risk to my witness.
Let not those who wait for You, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed because of me;
Let not those who seek You be confounded because of me, O God of Israel.
Psalm 69:6
Let not those who seek You be confounded because of me, O God of Israel.
Psalm 69:6
4 comments:
Great reminder!
I recall those times as a teen, too. And have seen the same thing continuing to occur even today. Not only have I been in those large parties, but I have sat near them, even very recently. It was not a good experience! And the poor waitress... she was nearly in tears.
I pray I remember how unpleasant it was when I am next in a large group and act accordingly. :)
Sometimes we need to be reminded that we are not of this world but in it. But we do have to behave differently.
The opera sounds wonderful by the way.
Boy, this is worth really thinking about. The witness part, I mean. You make an excellent point here.
I've always preferred small groups anyway, but still, if I can't avoid a larger group, I'll certainly be remembering what I read here.
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