Would you like to meet more people who attend ACF? I did, so I joined the FIT Team. What is FIT? It is NOT a fitness team and requires no exercise, except standing, walking, and some stairs! FIT stands for First Impressions Team. Our mustard yellow shirts stand out in a crowd and signal that we must be a group of people who have some connection to ACF. I am usually a greeter, but have served as an usher helping people find seats, in the welcome center to provide information, and as a prayer partner during the services.  

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As a greeter, I simply smile and welcome people by saying hello or have a great day, or even just making eye contact is all that is really needed! Most people naturally smile or say hello back, so I give a bucket-load of smiles, but I leave with an overflowing bucket full of smiles! Helping friends and family find each other, giving hugs to those I know, and answering questions are small acts of kindness that bless others. One time I had the privilege of meeting four young women who wanted to be baptized together. We all thought it was baptism week; however, we soon learned that baptism week had been moved to Easter week that month, and the change in schedule gave them a chance to share their story with me! What a blessing to get to know them and then witness their obedience to publicly proclaim their faith in Jesus, knowing their friendship has an extra bond. A simple Hello! became a connection of the heart.

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There have also been times when I really do not feel like smiling! One summer day, I replied to my son’s text that I HAD to serve so I couldn’t help him out with a need. He immediately texted me back, “You GET to serve!” Yes, he is part of the ACF Kids team and gave me a much better perspective! I was spread a little too thin that day and needed some extra hours in my day, but I had made a commitment to the team earlier in the week, and I wanted to follow through with it. After the service, I had a better attitude and a bucket full of smiles! That is when I remembered Matthew 25:35, “When I was a stranger, you welcomed me.” Jesus wants us to welcome strangers, and we never know if one smile, one word, or one connection changes another’s day and fills their bucket with smiles or plants a seed about Jesus! What a privilege to smile and serve!  

Abba, thank you for the smiles that you give us. May we share those smiles to fill hearts with love for You. Thank you for allowing me to receive even as I serve. May my smiles and greetings shine with the reflection of You in my heart. I love You, Amen.