Chess and Foosball

Lately, I've been spending a lot of time at Manna House (the local soup kitchen). One reason is that it is a blessing to be able to be the pastor of a church and also be able to do things like volunteer my time regularly. The other reason is that most of the friends I've made in Durango are pretty much the homeless guys at Manna House. I'm having a good time getting to know a guy named Jim. Last week he told me he was the chess champion of the soup kitchen and challenged me to a match. I accepted even though I hadn't played chess since I was a kid with my brother and couldn't really remember which players moved where. Somehow I managed to checkmate Jim within five minutes of playing which simultaneously made me the soup kitchen champion and secured me a rematch the next day. Day two didn't go as well. Jim whipped me soundly two games in a row. Trying to salvage my dignity, I made some comment wishing there were a foosball table because I was sure I could beat him at a real game (the 99% of you who don't play foosball are laughing at that irony, I know)--big mistake! One thing you have to understand about homeless guys--they don't always have a lot going on...so Jim immediately seized the opportunity to challenge me to a game of foosball at the pool hall in town. I put up a good fight, but was bested in the end--even on the incredible Jim Fletcher (elder at SVCC and foosball prodigy) worthy Tornado table.

Ego bruising aside, I am loving the opportunity to get to know these guys at the soup kitchen. They are as ostracized by our community as they are fascinating and lovable. Perhaps my favorite thing about these last couple weeks has been that I actually get to be the one in relationship. Jim, Curtis, James, Lenny, and Clifford are my friends. Instead of being "up front" telling everyone how they should go about loving people, I get to do it and then tell them. If I am able to accomplish anything as the pastor of this church community, I want it to be that I am always able to do what I am teaching. I know that sounds simple, but it certainly has not been in my experience. Until now, I've mostly been so overwhelmed by the details of planning and implementing ministry that I've rarely been able to participate--especially relationally.