A Strange Invitation

1990- Shaggy headed and in dire need of becoming presentable- I saw a sign that instantly grabbed my attention- Especially the attention of the miserly part of my brain that has been disproportionately developed through a lifetime of poverty- Or just plain cheapness- Take your pick!

Hair Cuts - $5.00

Yes! Just what the doctor ordered.

As I walked into the shop, I noticed two Barber Chairs-

One Barber-

And to my good fortune-

Only 1 customer whom the old Barber was busily snipping away at.

As I sat to wait my turn, I smiled and greeted the crusty old Barber-

To which he politely nodded with nary a word spoken.

As I sat patiently, I began to take notice of this man's skill and demeanor.

Studying his face a bit-I couldn't help but notice his concentration as he earnestly went about his task-Expressionless and silent-Exposing nothing that might betray any hint of emotion.

One thing I did note however, as he pulled out a straight razor to finish up the back of the neck of his current victim- uh customer- was what appeared to be a light brown stain around the corners of his mouth.

The origin of this anomaly was soon made clear -

As he put the finishing touches on a quite nice haircut-

This elderly "stylist" leaned forward and projected a healthy dose of brown tobacco juice about 3 feet into a nearby trash can.

My newfound Barber then proceeded to go around to the rear of his now vacant chair-

Look directly at me for the first time- Smile broadly-

A tobacco laden, brown toothed smile that will be etched into my memory for time immemorial-

And still without a word spoken-

Pat the back of the chair 3 times as if to say- Your Turn.

Ah- the moment of truth!

Should I cut and run?

Should I accept the invitation into this man's care?

Should I trust this venerable old character with a set of clippers for my head and a straight razor around my neck?

Luke 5:27-28 After this Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax booth. "Follow Me" Jesus said to him and Levi got up, left everything and followed Jesus.

Did you get that?

Left everything and followed Jesus-

Everything.

How strange it must have been to Levi-

A man dedicated to a way of life that was the antithesis of all that Jesus represented-

To hear and receive this invitation from Jesus.

Come to think of it- It's pretty strange for all of us.

A little like the smiling old Barber-

Who looks a bit strange to me-

But handles his business great with skill and care-

He invites me to trust him-

Put ego and neck on the line and be amazed at what He can do.

Father in Heaven, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit- I will trust you today. I will follow you. Move in me Holy Spirit so that I go deeper into Jesus today. Move in me to live a Loving, Courageous, Faithful, Hopeful Life today- Your Life in me.

Amen