Making Friends

In order to have friends, you must be friendly. That is my top priority at Midland Heights right now is simply getting to know them and them getting to know me, not in just a "formal" way, but an intimate way. The Bible says the shepherd knows his sheep. He is the protector of the flock and needs to know them in a personal way. The first time I went to MHBC, I met a couple of guys that made an impression on me. One was named Connor. He is a little boy that sits on the 3 row from the front. I tried to get him to help me out with a sermon illustration and he would have nothing of it. The next time I preached, I mentioned my dog Harley, after that, I had a friend. He came up to me the following Sunday and stayed by my side. We talked about about his dog, his bike wreck, and my dog who is staying inside the fence quite well. Now every time he sees me I get a smile and a "high-five".
There was also a young man that caught my attention. His name is Jeremy. Jeremy sings in the choir, introduces himself to all the visitors, and always has a smile on his face and a friendly attitude. Jeremy has downs-syndrome. The first time I met him, he told me "My name is Jeremy Arnold." After I told him my name, he offered a handshake and went about his business. The next Sunday, he came to introduce himself again, but I stopped him and said, "Hi Jeremy! It is so good to see you!" He look at me and asked, "What is your name?" I only got out "Sc", before he said, "Scott Reed!" Although he pronounces it "Weed". He then leaned over the pew and placed my head in his chest and gave me a big hug. It brought tears to my eyes. Jeremy and I were strangers no more. We were friends, moving past the hand shakes and into the "bald-head rub" and the tight hugs.
Connor and Jeremy, my new BFF's.