“Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
-John 21:15b

It’s not often a buffet line feels like holy ground, but let me tell you a true story.

I’m on a diet, and, surprisingly, one of the best places for me to eat out is Golden Corral. I really like the one near me. The food is fresh, and the place is pretty clean, for a buffet.

And the service?

Let me tell you what happened at my last trip. At the very moment I finished my drink the waitress was right there, with a refill. So I already like her.

But then, I noticed what was happening around me. An elderly couple was getting up from the table next to me. They moved over to the waitress and gave her a big hug.

“How big is he?” the older woman asked.

She beamed, ‘Eight pounds, seven ounces — my very first grandbaby!’ The couple shared how happy they were for the waitress and headed to the door.

Wow. Pretty cool that they knew her. But a couple minutes later another couple got up to leave. Again, they went over and hugged the same waitress. This was right next to me, and I heard the waitress whisper to the woman, “Don’t worry. Everything’s going to be alright”.

It kept happening. People were standing up and hugging this waitress as they left the restaurant.

I was sitting there, mouth literally open. I’m surprised my cottage cheese didn’t fall out.

Honestly, it was one of the most extraordinary things I have ever seen.

I think I’ve pieced together what was happening. For many senior citizens, Golden Corral is an affordable alternative to cooking. With their senior discount, this is where they eat lunch.

So, perhaps for years, this woman has been their server. She has welcomed them, brought drinks to them, and over time has gotten to know them. And love them.

Is this what Jesus meant when he said “feed my sheep?” He was talking to Peter, about establishing the church. But I’ll point out that they were sitting around a campfire, sharing a meal.

As I got to my feet, I found myself longing for one of those hugs. I didn’t ask, but she wished us a good day with that infectious smile of hers.

In John 10:9, Jesus says “I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.”

What a holy image. I saw it at work this week. Jesus described himself as both a Good Shepherd and the gate by which the sheep enter. I saw a vivid reflection of both in this woman.

I can only hope our churches can match the kind of ministry my waitress provided this week. She made it seem effortless, natural.

She served us sheep with joy, and I felt joy, too.

Hungry for this? I know where you can find it. At church, of course. But I know where to recommend you go to lunch.

Trust me, it feels great to be

warmly gathered into…

a Golden Corral.

Have a great week,

Mitch