A Hat and a Smile

"Let me tell yo why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. 


Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand--shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."

I received a Christmas present a few years ago. It was a black ball cap with a large black cross on the front. A very nice looking hat...but one I was never comfortable wearing.

At first I felt guilty for feeling that way. When I put the hat on, I could escape this image of me with a megaphone yelling, "I AM A CHRISTIAN! LISTEN TO ME IF YOU WANT TO BE SAVED!" Was I ashamed to tell people I am a Christian? I then came to realize the problem wasn't what I was saying. It was how I was saying it. I was embarrassed to let a hat speak for me.

For the past couple of years, I have picked up junk tires at a Walmart in Spartanburg, SC. After loading, I take the paperwork back to the store's UPC office to file the papers and sign the log sheet. There is a lady who works back there who speaks softly and never smiles or looks up from what she is doing. Still, each time I walk into her office I greet her with a friendly smile and hello.

A month ago I walked in, greeted her as usual, and began to take care of my business. She said, "We don't put the papers in the book anymore." I responded, "Okay," and continued to look for the logbook.

Then she yelled, "I SAID, WE DON'TPUT THE PAPERS IN THE BOOK ANYMORE!" Still smiling I answered, "Yes but I still have to sign it." She looked back and down and said, "Sorry." I finished what I was doing and wished her a good day. Just like every other time, she didn't respond. It kind of bothered me, but I have come to accept this is just the way it is going to be.

Then this past week I went back. I walked into the office and was surprised with a very friendly, "Hey, how're ya doin'?" I was stunned because it was coming from the quiet grouchy lady. We went on to have a nice conversation and then wished each other a pleasant day. And now, after all this time trying to get her to smile, she makes me smile. How cool is that?

Sharing God's love, being a light of His love, begins with an invitation. A smile. I don't care what you've got on, if it's not accompanied by a smile, you're not inviting anyone. Sometimes it takes patience, so be consistent with your smiles. Not everyone opens the door right away, but when they do, they'll know who to open it for.

And as for the hat? Well, I did wear it. I wore it while visiting my father-in-law who gave it to me.

It made him smile.

- Tom Gronstal