Do You Like Me?

Do you remember the first note you gave to that hot girl or boy in your class? You know the one that contains that infamous phrase: Do you like me? In addition there are the three words following the request to circle one. The three words were yes, no and maybe.

Her name was Sonya. She was beautiful, well as beautiful as a 1st grader could be. I did everything I could do to get her to notice me. I put on my older brother's cologne. I made sure I had on my best clothes. I tried to make her laugh. I loved her and I knew I was going to spend the rest of my life with her or at least the rest of the 1st grade. So I mustered up enough strength to pop the question. At home, I got that fat brown pencil without the eraser and a piece of yellow construction paper (I really don't remember the paper type - just stay with me). I wrote as neatly as a 1st grade boy could. I wrote those magical words on the paper:

Sonya

DO YOU LIKE ME?

YES NO MAYBE

LOVE DION

I folded the paper and was determined to give my note to my new found love. The next day I went to school, P.S. #90. I had an extra splashing of my brother's cologne my best shirt and best pair of jeans. I walked into class saw my beauty and... I didn't give her the note. I waited for the right time, and I never gave her the note. I was too chicken to give her the note. I mustered up enough courage to write the note but not enough courage to give her the note. What if she circled no and laughed at me. More than my desire for her to be mine, I had a desire NOT to be disliked. That desire overcame my desire to give Sonya that note!

What it all comes down to is that ever since I was a young child, I had a strong desire for people to like me. This is a desire that has long lived into my adulthood. In the words of the great prophet, Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along!" I had a conversation with a colleague in ministry who shares this desire and struggle. Deep down in our souls, we want people to like us. This can be so debilitating. In my career in "professional" ministry, I have often had to bite my tongue, so people would like me. When I prepare to teach or preach or even lead worship, I often become consumed with wondering what will I say that will make this person or that person not like me. And then I am faced with the reality of God's call. God has not called me to be liked but to be faithful. Nonetheless, I struggle.

When all is said and done, God has called me to ministry. God has called others in the past and their ministry and message was not judged by how well they were liked. The harsh reality is that in most cases, those who God call were hated. Why am I surprised? Jesus said the world hated Him and they would hate us (John 15).

I'm growing and that's what counts. And my existence is not rooted in my being liked by others but being loved by God. As I grow, I can only pray that I will find rest in that Blessed Assurance!

Last night's Menu: Leftover Soup
Tonight's Menu: Meatloaf, Garlic Mash Potatoes and Green Beans With Bacon!