I suppose one of these days I'll need to stop sharing stories about the preacher's kid living in my house. As a "PK" myself, I do remember eventually being embarrassed by stories about me from the pulpit and my dad did start asking my permission. But in the meantime...
For anyone enjoying a nice, peaceful lunch in Emory Village following worship on a recent Sunday afternoon, I'd like to apologize to the interruption to your lunch. A certain toddler had her little heart and tummy set on dining at Rise n' Dine, where she has learned to love the savory stacks of sweet potato pancakes. Despite our best efforts to warn her that the wait for a table might be too long for this hot, hungry preacher's family after a full morning at church, and despite letting her know that our next and equally-as-delicious option would be to enjoy lunch at Lucky's Burgers and Brew right next door, when the reality of this "Plan B" hit her, one would have thought the world was coming to an end. The screams for Rise n' Dine while INSIDE of Lucky's were a bit much for all to bear, despite the gracious wait staff. With little hope for a timely recovery for this epic toddler tantrum, we soon became the family walking back up North Decatur Road with a wailing, flailing child. We won't discuss here the scene that unfolded of actually getting her safely buckled into her car seat for the ride home where ham sandwiches awaited us for a much overdue lunch.
Thankfully, after a nap and some post-fury processing, the rest of day was much less dramatic. And then, out of the blue, our pint-sized food critic announced that she needed to write a note to Lucky's. She dictated the following:
Dear Lucky's,
I pitched a fit. Sorry. Thank you for my lemonade. Next time I'll be sweet. I love you.
As I used every ounce of self-control to contain my snickering as she decorated her heartfelt apology note, I couldn't help but think that this must be how God must feel about me sometimes. Now I hope that the good Lord isn't always snickering, but it does seem that when I "pitch a fit," in retrospect, it's usually an overreaction. And really, I wish I had the humility to so matter of factly apologize instead of usual verbose excuses and justifications. And how often could my apologies to others that I have harmed or hurt be enhanced by some heartfelt appreciation for their efforts and hopes to do better next time, too?
It's all too easy to get caught up in our own desires, especially when we are literally or figuratively hot, tired, and hungry. I hope and pray for each of us that even when we find ourselves needing to apologize, we will know with assurance of the unconditional love and grace of our Heavenly Parent. And I hear the folks at Lucky's are pretty gracious, too.
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Psalm 86:5
Susan
Glenn is lucky to be in partnership with many Emory Village restaurants, including Lucky's! On Saturday, October 15 after our 2-5pm pumpkin unloading, we'll have a Spirit Night in the Village for dinner at both Lucky's and Saba. 10% of proceeds will go back to Glenn. Join us!