Let Them Eat Pizza

My husband and I try to have lunch together once a week - a time to get away from the office, (not that I ever want to get away!) be with each other without the kids and reconnect. A couple of weeks ago we went to the Pizza Hut lunch buffet.

We went shortly after the restaurant opened but it was already almost full. There were tow waitresses there who were frantically trying to seat people takedrink orders and keep the pizza and pasta bar filled with food. We sat down near a table which was occupied with two couples. After watching the behavior of these four people I immediately thought to myself that there were so many theological teaching moments that I wouldn't know where to begin! Let me explain.

We had just sat down with a plate of salad when one of the two servers came out with our drinks. I didn't even have a chance to say, "Thank you" before one of the men of this group leaned way out of his seat to ensure the waitress would see him. He raised his almost empty glass and yelled, "I need more Diet Pepsi!" This happened several more times, the most obnoxious occurring when the waitress was all the way across the restaurant and the man had to scream, "DIET PEPSI!"

It was very interesting - and a little sad - to watch this group when the waitresses did manage to bring out more food. This group was sitting very close to the buffet and every time more pizza arrived, they all jumped, up, grabbed a clean plate and proceeded to pile on the pizza - not just a slice or two but four and five slices each. All of the food was taken by these folks before anyone else in the restaurant got a chance to pick up a piece of pepperoni that had fallen off a slice! This scenario happened several times as well. Wouldn't it be nice if people rushed up to the church like that to feast on the word of God? But that's another blog for another time

Often times we fall into the trap of self-absorption. All that matters is what I want - not what I need but what I WANT. It doesn't matter that there is a restaurant full of others who are hungry and desire pizza. I want all the pizza I want and I want it now! You can wait to get yours!

As Christians, we are called to put the needs - and desires - of others above our own. When the disciples asked Christ what was the greatest commandment was he told them, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. And the second is like this: Love your neighbor as yourself." This means that you wait to have pizza until everyone else has had some. This means that you are willing to give up something that is important to you so that others can experience God's love.

This means you are following Christ's example.

When your hands are open to giving to others, they are also open to receive the blessings God has to offer you. Are your hands open?

In His Love,
Amy