I can do the dumbest things.
A few weeks ago I had a speaking engagement in a neighboring state so I drove. Alone. That was my first mistake. I don’t do “alone” well. I need guidance most days.
This day was no different.
I drove the entire trip in a monsoon. Okay, it wasn’t a monsoon but it was raining really, really hard. Thankfully Ruby, my GPS, was there to keep me on track
When I reached my destination, I verified the name of the church from the church sign located on the front lawn. Then, I did exactly as I was told. I pulled into the church and circled around back.
Did I mention there were two churches side by side?
Anyway, as I circled around back there were lots of cars in the parking lot. Assuming this was where I needed to be, I gave myself a pat on the back for a job well done, gathered my things and proceeded toward the back door of the church.
I knew something was wrong the moment I entered the building. All the people were dressed in Amish clothing. The men were in suits but the women wore black dresses with a white aprons and white caps upon their head.
I just so happened to be wearing my chaeta jacket trimmed in orange. To them, I must have looked like a woman of the world. A-hem.
I tried to make eye contact with someone so I could ask if I was in the right place or not, (yes, I had to ask) but no one made eye contact with me.
Finally, I softly touched the arm of a young teenage girl and asked, “Do you know where I might find, Summer?” (Summer was the name of my event coordinator who NEVER mentioned she was Amish.)
In a nervous tone the young girl responded, “It’s Sarah’s wedding.”
“Ohhh,” I replied. “Give my congratulations to Sarah. I believe I’m in the wrong place.” And I left as fast as I could. …not that I have anything against the Amish. I was just taken by surprise. I’m sure they were, too.
I felt kind of sorry for Sarah. I can imagine the whispering after I left.
“Whose side of the family is she on?”
Not to mention the holy water that was sprinkled about to cleanse the room of whatever I brought in. However, in my defense, a parking lot of cars doesn’t scream “Amish wedding inside.” Shouldn’t the parking lot have been full of horses?
I made my way to the church next door and was greeted by Summer. I breathed a sigh of relief. It felt good to be with my home girls. The event went well. God is always faithful even when He gives us a fifty-fifty chance of choosing the right church and we get it wrong.
Actually, I think God allows these things to happen to me so later I can use them as illustrations to some spiritual principle. I just can’t find the spiritual application to this one. Let’s just say, “Never judge the inside of a church by the its cars in the parking lot.”
Latosha says
Micca, I had to laugh as I read your story. I am originally from Pittsburgh PA and relocated to PA Dutch Country some years ago. I was introduced to a whole new culture. I am a city girl, so I would have liked to believe, but have adjusted very well to rural living. My surroundings now are farm land and horse and buggies and too the Amish and Mennonites. I learned over the years the difference between Amish and Mennonite and Old Order vs. New Order. I felt like I was in a foreign land when I first arrived here. Yes, some do use modern technology. I once saw an Amish girl riding a bike while chatting on a cell phone. The list goes on over a 9 year period since I have been here. Thank you for sharing your story, it made me smile. Blessings!
Melanie says
God knows laughter is the best medicine and just what I needed today. Thanks Micca and congratulations Sarah (just in case she reads this.). 🙂
Sue Detweiler says
Laughter IS good medicine. Thanks.