One of the most amusing things that I have ever encountered while pastoring happened just a few weeks ago here in Duncan, Oklahoma. It was during one of the regular midweek fellowship meals that we have at the church on the first and last week of each month. The preparation was finished, the prayer had been offered, and the line of people was almost complete. The menu was an all-American meal of Coney dogs, potato salad, chips, and other such items. It was nothing fancy. However, the Coney dogs were the centerpiece of the meal. For those not familiar with a Coney, I did a Google search and found that a textbook definition stated that a Coney is a hot dog in a bun topped with a savory meat sauce and sometimes other toppings. It is similar to a chili dog and is often offered on classic American diner menus and at Coney Island restaurants. Despite its name and association with New York, it is most popular in the Midwestern United States, especially in Michigan. And this is where the story gets good. I am a proud Michigander.
To get back to the story, as the line was nearly finished, a gentleman from the church who had waited as I had to let others go first came to me and said, “Pastor, are we out of buns?” I admit, my first response was frustration. How could those preparing the food that night come up short on one of the most important things? I looked to my wife, who looked to one of the ladies who had helped prepare. It was at that moment I noticed her turn and dash to the kitchen, and as she went, she said, “I forgot the buns!” I followed her to the kitchen and helped bring the second pan of buns to the serving line; most of the crowd was already close to finishing the meal.
So here we were, with about 7 packs of buns left, but it seemed so strange. Why didn’t someone say something quicker? Bunless hot dogs on a plate with meat sauce, onions, and cheese didn’t seem like a natural thing for an entire group to think was okay. So I asked someone, “Why didn’t you say something?” The honest and sincere response made me laugh, “Pastor, we thought that was how you eat them in Michigan.”
It was a humorous point, but the reality is that assumptions can often cost us much more than a great Coney dog experience. Have you ever heard the words, “I don’t think anyone likes me in the church,” or maybe “Everyone thinks that I am different”? It gets us even further into a bad place when we start thinking that maybe even God doesn’t love us or that He thinks we are different.
The entire time, there were more than enough buns for everyone, but they didn’t know it. Don’t let assumptions keep you from missing out on something good. You are loved, you are accepted, you are valued just the way you are at this very moment. Don’t settle for anything less.
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