A Weekend of Firsts and Confirmations; A Lady in Waiting....with Lotion

This weekend has been one of firsts and confirmations that could not go without sharing. As part of my “Operation Get Out Of Comfort Zone” I volunteered, as did others I know, to be a part of the Glory of Christmas show at our church. No…I did not sing in the choir, or act in a skit. I was not part of the stage crew, nor did I help make any of the costumes (yet…. but I hope to next year). I volunteered to be a “Lady in Waiting….with Lotion.” Not having been to a Glory of Christmas before, I wasn’t entirely sure what this job entailed but signed up nonetheless. The job description: sit in a chair posted in the ladies room with lotion at the ready; greet women with a smile, ask them if they would like lotion after washing their hands, and wish them a great rest of the evening…. and enjoy the show.

I signed up and then I second guessed myself; even wondering if I could somehow get out of it. I was excited about it until I told others what I was doing. As I reiterated what I had signed up for, it sounded creepy and not having been to a show before, I had to wonder if anyone would even want the lotion I would be offering. I looked at it as an opportunity to serve my church, my God, and to prove to myself that this wasn’t about me or my comfort zone but to make the Glory of Christmas experience a special one for others that were attending for their first time….. or twentieth. Our church hosts this production for those that don’t have a relationship with Jesus. Sure, it’s a great reminder for those of us that attend Northridge and are members; and it is a great time for fellowship with others in our congregation. But… our church goes to the length it does to speak to those in our community that don’t know Him as we do; their entire experience beginning with the invitation and all the way through the prayer to accept their own relationship with Him, followed by another invitation to visit our church family.

I dressed in jeans with a sweater and donned my fave new cross necklace. After I was ready to head to church; I prayed. “Jesus, please be with me as I go to serve you. Give me patience and strength. Allow me to be the smile with the dollop of lotion to prepare them to hear the message our church will be performing for them. Reach into the heart of everyone ready to receive you. All I want this year for Christmas; is for everyone to have the feeling that you have given to me…one of forgiveness and grace; a gift I didn’t earn and don’t deserve…a life transformed by your love for me. I want them to see you as I see you and know you for the Savior you are. Amen.”

I checked into church and was escorted to the balcony restroom on the second floor. Kate showed me my new post and told me where to find my selection of lotions; the rest of the instructions were simply to smile, offer them lotion, and show them warmth and welcome to our church…enjoy the show.

The first few women were quick to say “No, thank you.” The couple that followed them smiled but tried to hide their embarrassment at having been asked. A mother and daughter came next and even though the daughter looked interested, mom said “Thank you, but we put lotion on before leaving the house tonight.” Needless to say my hopes were quickly dashing and I asked Jesus in our silence together; “Jesus, is this what is what like for you? Did I tell you no every time you offered that relationship with you? Did I come up with many ways to turn down what you so freely offered? I’m sorry it took me so long to figure out what you were saying all along. I only hope these women see the relationship you offer while viewing the show our church has put on to show them.”

But as showtime neared, the ladies room filled, and my offer of lotion was more widely received. A girl about six or seven waited for her mom and loved the smell of the Snow Kissed Berry lotion; wiping it in and then asking for more when it disappeared into her skin. Mom came out and said “Yes, I needed some lotion…thank you.” And then another and another followed her lead. I giggled to myself as I thought of the scripture in Isaiah 11:6 “.…and a child shall lead them.” When the show began and the wave had passed, leaving Jesus and I alone for a bit, I teared up. I whispered to myself “Jesus, it was just like me wasn’t it? I told you “No” so many times, in so many different ways, but just like the little girl that couldn’t get enough…I feel that way with you. I love to drink you in as she accepted the lotion. I love to smile and share my love for you as she smelled her hands over and over, telling mom that she needed some too. Thank you for not giving up on me and transforming me into awestruck wonder, wanting to be a cheerleader for you for others to see what you are capable of when you let them.”

I left that Ladies Room with a feeling of purpose; doing my part as the parking lot team, ushers, stage crew, cast, musicians, and leaders did theirs. We all set the stage for our community to enjoy and learn more of Him with hopes and prayers that just one would accept their own relationship with Jesus this Christmas season and beyond. I walked across the parking lot with a skip in my step and thought “…you may have been chosen for a time such as this.” Esther 4:14. Quite comical to think that Jesus rescued me and transformed my life “for a time such as this” but I do believe it is all part of the plan He has for me and I am glad I began this weekend of “Operation Get Out Of Comfort Zone” in the Ladies Room of Northridge Church.

….for a time such as this.