Where Everybody Knows Your Name - Part 2

Yesterday I told you about “Jake”. He likely is lonely – but seemingly happy. He was in a world of his own.

Today I would like you to meet “Lenard”. He is a bit like “Jake”. Again this is my idea to name him this. He looks like a “Lenard”.

“Lenard” comes by once in a while. I am imagining his wife’s name is “Isabella”. She too we have met from time to time.

“Lenard” and “Isabella” never say a word – maybe because they are foreigners. They live on our street. They are always busy doing their thing. They never seemed to stop. You would wonder how they ever had a family – but they did. A neighbour told me that their kids were in his yard and he was not happy about it. It likely happened because “Isabella” was just too busy working again. And “Lenard” is never home.

In a 2006 working parents are not an unusual commodity. Every community has them. In fact today they are the back bone of our society.

But – there is a problem with “Lenard”. Wherever he goes people are fearful. They withdraw into their own worlds and even shut the doors on him as he passes by. They do the same with his wife “Isabella”.

I have felt sad for this kind of people. They are rejected and always alone. I am committed to reach out to them when others won’t. I mean that is what church is for right – everyone is welcome – or should be.

Before I go to far…
I must admit – in our community I am the same as my neighbours when it comes to “Lenard” – I withdraw also – and even run away. I have been guilty of doing the same as everyone else. After all I am human! You would also run if you were in my shoes.

This morning, early, “Lenard” was back again. He just came without being invited. This time like the last time he made a mess of everything. I didn’t explain to you that was one of most undesirable traits and the reason most of our street hates “Lenard” and his family.

This time, just before he ran away, I took his picture – before I ran away as well.

Check them out… they are at the end of this posting.

Sorry that the shots a little blurry – I was shaking somewhat as I tried to aim.

He left his calling card –more deep holes in our lawn and faint aroma.

Have a great day “Lenard” – wherever you are. God loves you too.

He didn’t fit.

Oh how this is like the church… I have to dwell/mull on this one a while.

Years ago a popular TV show was entitled “Cheers”. Do you remember the words to the song? Here they are – (the whole song never actually aired..)

• “Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got.
• Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot.
• Wouldn't you like to get away?
• Sometimes you want to go
• Where everybody knows your name,
• and they're always glad you came.
• You wanna be where you can see,
• our troubles are all the same
• You wanna be where everybody knows Your name.
• You wanna go where people know,
• people are all the same,
• You wanna go where everybody knows your name.”