I’ve drafted versions of what I am about to share at-least a dozen times in my head over the last dozen years.

You get to church (probably late) they’ve already sparked the room with music and the whole place begins to settle in. 

Then it’s time for announcements, whether they’re given live and in person or over a well articulated video format to engage the crowd and get y’all excited. 

Then it’s time…they set a two minute timer and demand that everyone step out of their seat and greet someone. (ok, maybe demand is a bit dramatic but it’s how extroverted introverts feel) 

Usually the thought process here is that we’ll all greet someone we don’t know yet and get to know one another. 

But in my vision, what happens is that most people head over to their friend or a familiar face and spend that two minutes catching up, speed dating style!

And here I am left sitting in my seat, because I’m not super connected with anyone, I’m also guilty of being anxious about stepping out to greet people. I mean, after all that isn’t the new girls job is it? And by new girl, I mean we’ve been attending our current church off and on for about 2 years 

But this week, Matthias was in service with us. He seen the countdown and asked me if that was the timer to say hi to people. 

I responded, it sure is. 

My sweet boy (you know the homeschooled one that’ll struggle with socializing) took it as his personal mission to greet as many people as he could. 

He traveled clear across the room to shake hands, say hello to people, and encourage them. Phil and I sat (in our seats) in awe at how amazing he was at spreading his sweet self throughout the room. 

I want to learn from this boy.  I’ve carried so many emotions over this two minute timer in church over the years. Anxiety, nervousness, resentment (yes, that stems from a variety of things..maybe another post) and now joy. I want to be more like he is. I want to learn to step out from my seat and say hello to just a person or two. I want to encourage someone to have the very most amazing week, compliment their style, be a part of the community that loves all!