Mell (my wife) and I were attending a conference in Florida. It was only 11:00 AM but we were hungry and wanted lunch. “Would you like a seat for breakfast?” The greeter at the hotel restaurant asked.

“No thank you, we would like to eat lunch.” I replied.

“I’m so sorry, but this restaurant will not serve lunch for another half-hour. However, another restaurant in this hotel is serving lunch now. Let me show you where it is.” Immediately she left her workstation and walked with us down the corridor until we came in sight of a sandwich shop. She then smiled and said, “I hope you enjoy your meal...” and returned to her station. We were impressed but not for long. 

The sandwich shop was quiet and empty. We saw only one employee at the other end of the restaurant who seemed to be busy adjusting a big screen TV. He was making no attempt to notice us so we walked over and I asked him, “Where do we go to order lunch?” He slowly turned around and gave us one of those, “why are you bothering me?” looks and pointed to the counter across the room.

Humph! So, we turned and walked to where he pointed and then kept on walking through the door and back down the corridor to the other restaurant. Why?

a)       We didn’t like the station he chose on TV.

b)       Sandwiches just aren’t for me.

c)       The wallpaper colors clashed with our clothes.

d)       We wanted a restaurant that sincerely wanted to serve us.

Of course the answer is d) unless you happen to be a gourmet chef or a fashion designer. Then choose e) all of the above.

We felt welcome in the first restaurant and decided it was worth waiting a few extra minutes. But the best is yet to come. During the meal, the waitress tripped and spilled a tray filled with glasses of ice water all over our table, barely missing us. It could have been a disaster, but she was so embarrassed and apologetic we all ended up laughing. Later, the manager offered her own apology and free desert.  

We were impressed enough to eat most of our meals there and told others at the conference about the good food and extraordinary service of this restaurant. Often we waited in line to receive a seat but we always found the experience worth the wait.

Occasionally we would pass by the sandwich shop and see the same guy, still watching TV… alone.

Why am I telling you this? The story of the two restaurants illustrates the difference between “magic moments” where you feel appreciated or “tragic moments” that leave you feeling neglected. The secret to offering “magic moments” is to understand what someone needs and then try to exceed his/her expectations. One restaurant succeeded because it specialized in “magic moments.”

We have the same opportunity to specialize in “magic moments” by offering a loving relationship with God and with fellow Christians. In other words, we work as the church to understand someone’s needs and through our best efforts combined with God’s grace strive to exceed their expectations. The last thing Jesus said to his disciples was, “go and make disciples of all the nations.” (Matthew 28:19) It’s a great challenge for individuals and churches to offer “magic moments” through the power of God.

Question: If someone encounters you on the street or enters your church will they be offered…

a)       Tragic Moment? “What are you doing here? Why are you bothering me?”

b)      No Moment? “Maybe if I don’t speak, he/she will go away.”

c)       Magic Moment? “I’m so glad to see you? Tell me how you have been doing…” 

Can you imagine the difference this attitude would make in your church, in your home… in your life? All this talk of “magic moments” has made me hungry. Anyone know where I can get a sandwich?

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