Thank You, Harry

Matthew 28:17-20
When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age (NRSV)

During these last few weeks of summer, I have been finding myself reflecting upon my life and my faith story. This is due to the change that Bette, Allison, and I are facing with Tim being in Tanzania and John at Wartburg College. As I reflect upon God's gift of grace I realize that this is a great medium to write a thank-you letter. Unfortunately, I do not know where the recipient is, or even if he is still alive. So, I would like to write this thank-you letter to all the “Harrys” out there.

Dear Harry,
Did you have any idea what your invitation would create? Did you know how the Holy Spirit was going to work in my life and the life of my family? When you made that first invitation, were you afraid? Were you worried that we would reject you, think less of you, or even worse, laugh at you? Did you fear that you might loose your job for talking about faith at work? Did that even matter to you? Or were you so compelled by Jesus’ call to make disciples, that rejection and embarrassment, and even fear of losing your position would not stop you from your proclamation?

I know that Faith Lutheran was having an invite a friend week, but I don't know if this was the first time you invited anybody, or if this was a normal activity for you. But, on that day, you changed our lives.

Bette and you had worked together for a few months, and you had a good relationship, both of you originally being from North Dakota. Although almost fifty years separated you, you had a good working friendship. One evening, as you stood there with Bette in the men’s accessories department at Dillard’s straightening the ties, somehow the conversation turned to faith. (Was that your intent?) With your eyes glued to your task at hand, you nonchalantly and quietly said, “Maybe you would like to visit my church, Faith, on Spain Road. It’s a Lutheran church and the sermons are pretty good. I think it might be what you’re looking for.” Possibly to your surprise, Bette accepted your invitation and asked about worship times. And that Sunday, she would attend. But she didn't want to ask me. (I had rejected her request to go to church so many times before.) She told you, "If you wanted Tim to attend you had to ask him."

So on your break you walked down to my families store. You would often stop by and visit but this time you had a calling. You cleared your throat, you seemed nervous to me, then you did it. You asked me. "Hey Tim I just invited Bette to join me at church at Faith Lutheran and she said she would love to go, but, she asked me to invite you also. So would you like to come?" How could I say no? Your were such a kind and gentile man. "Sure I guess that would be alright" I answered. With a smile on your face you proclaimed "Great I will see you Sunday" and went back to Dillard's

Over the next few days I tried to think of a way out but Bette would respond, "You told Harry you would go!" So on Sunday she dragged me back to a church. The way I complained you would think I'm was going to my death. In a way I was. Something happened. It could have been looking out the wall of window at the beautiful Sandia Mountains. It could have been the pastor’s sermon on God's grace, forgiveness, and love. It might have been the beautiful piece the choir sang. Or maybe it was the way the people greeted us, like we were truly welcome, like lost children returning home. From that moment on, were knew that’s exactly where we were: home. Whether it was Faith, or Zion, or Holy Trinity, or Our Savior’s, or First, or New Life, we were home. It did not take long until the pastor realized that I knew the bible stories pretty well. Soon, we were teaching 5th grade Sunday School and Bette was singing in the choir. As time went by, we started getting involved more and more. Four years later, we found ourselves at Zion Lutheran, somehow being leaders in this congregation. Education chairperson, stewardship chairperson, youth leader, small group members, called to ordained ministry.

Harry, did you know what the Spirit was going to do? I thank you and all the other “Harrys” out there. People willing to risk embarrassment, relationships, and their position in order to proclaim the Gospel. Harry, thank you for your invitation.

For all you others reading this, is God calling on you to be a Harry in somebody’s life? Take the chance for Jesus. Risk for the Gospel. There are a lot of Tims and Bettes out there just waiting for your invitation.
Amen.