Meetings, Meetings, Meetings

I do not like meetings. It has been my thought for some time that Christianity would have been a wonderful religion if we hadn't included so many meetings in the whole experience.

People who work closely with me know if they want me to attend a meeting I first need to know the reason we are having the meeting; the possible solutions that we should consider; and, our most probable outcome.

One of my co-workers has pointed out that, given my parameters, there is little reason left for meeting with me.

I agree.

Of course there are all types of meetings. While I do not enjoy business meetings, I do genuinely appreciate meeting with friends.

Unfortunately, because of our ministry lifestyle, I often have to meet my close friends "on the run." There is rarely enough time to relax and enjoy each other as I would like.

I have one friend who makes it a point to meet me in the Minneapolis airport when I fly through. He claims he is concerned that I will not know where I am if I don't see his face. He is probably right.

I once met a pastor in a pub in downtown London. I found it interesting the pub was decorated with stained glass windows. I found it even more interesting that one of the stained glass windows commemorated the life of C.T. Studd, the great missionary hero. This could only happen in England.

This past weekend, after trips to Israel and South Carolina (for meetings!), we had the privilege of seeing a few of our friends in East Texas.

Jack Faulkner has been a friend of mine since I had hair. He has the habit of having his birthday each year on March 17th. This year his wife Karen allowed us to surprise him for the occasion. It was worth the effort and expense to see him fall back in his chair with surprise... and we have the photo to prove it.

We took advantage of being in the area to catch up with our friends, Ed and LuAnn. We had to find a restaurant to meet them about half way between where they lived and where we were staying. We knew we couldn't go wrong with a barbecue place named "Vernon's." It didn't let us down.

After supper, Susan declared her need (you may define this as "obsession") for some ice cream.

Now, when you are in East Texas and you are looking for ice cream, the only thing that should come to your mind is "Blue Bell"... it is some of the finest ice cream in the world. Unfortunately, we couldn't find a restaurant in Conroe, Texas that served it.

Something as small as that couldn't keep my wife away from her hankering.

Susan, Ed, LuAnn and I found ourselves eating pints of ice cream between aisles 10 and 11 at the local Kroger's. I can verify the table we used is a real bargain at $99.00 (four chairs included). If you are ever through there you might want to consider them... I am sure the manager who gave us permission to sit there would appreciate it.

I believe something like this could only happen in Texas. People in Texas understand the need for good ice cream and for meeting with friends.

I was impressed during my recent visit to Jerusalem that one day our Lord will return to meet us just like he left this earth. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 says, "...then those of us who are still living will be caught up along with them on clouds in the air to meet the Lord, and so we shall be with the Lord forever."

Now, THAT will be a meeting I do not want to miss. I'm sure it beats all the ice cream in Texas... even that consumed between aisles 10 and 11.