Grumpy Old Ganz

Church Day

Over the years I have attended many churches in our local communities and in other states and have found one common denominator among them...routines. There are generally two groups with some overlapping that I am referring to. Let’s explore...

Most of us know someone who falls into one or both of these categories. In my observation, there are those that wear the same clothes every Sunday and those that sit in the same place in the church. To prove my claim I found myself a couple of test subjects.

Knowing one couple who usually had an “assigned” seat I decided one Sunday to sit there myself. When they arrived they saw me and stood right next to me. Keep in mind there is still a whole church pew for them to sit in on either side of me and empty pews in front and behind me.

As if I didn’t exist, they conversed amongst themselves and said, “Well where are we going to sit?” “I’m not sure? All the spots are taken”. Finally, they surveyed the seating situation and walked aimlessly to find a place to sit elsewhere.

After the service, I approached them. They mentioned how full church was and how they needed to show up earlier to get “their” spot. I complimented them on their outfits knowing full well they wore the same clothes every Sunday. I also added, “I wouldn’t change a thing”.

Having given me more to work with, I too arrived earlier the next Sunday and sat in “their” spot again. This time they just stood beside me so I stood and offered them a place next to me which they took begrudgingly.

Throughout the service, both of them would glance at me now and then with a “dirty” look letting me know I upset their routine yet again.

At the end of the service, I again complimented their attire adding, “I see you took my advice and didn’t change a thing”. The slight head tilt said it all!

The human spirit lives on creativity and dies in conformity and routine. —Vilayat Inayat Khan