First Impressions

I am sure we have all heard the old adage,” You never get a second chance to leave a first impression.” That never rang more true than just a few hours ago.

I answer the phone and my daughter’s voice can be heard on the other end of the line saying, “I want you to meet my new boyfriend. We are on our way over and will be there in fifteen minutes.”

As the phone connection is terminated I stand almost frozen with panic mode about to hit high gear. I can feel the adrenaline rushing through my veins like a racer waiting for the words, “On your mark, get set, go!” The race is on and I yell in my Sargent Mom voice, “Company’s coming, all hands on deck!”

All those bodies laying half comatose  in front of the television are now jumping to their feet. They are grabbing potato chips bags, empty soda cans, and dirty laundry as they rapidly exit the room.

A mad dash is made to clean as much house as is humanly possible in the short amount of time allotted. Once the door bell rings, everyone screeches to a halt and tries to appear as if they have all been relaxing while waiting for the visitor to arrive(although it is rather hard to immediately stop the panting caused by the sudden onset of unwanted exercise).

I go to the door and the only person who greets me is our daughter. I am sure I have a perplexed look on my face as she states, “He’s not coming in.” Immediately I retort back with, “You mean we cleaned this house for nothing.” Apparently he was not expecting to meet us and didn’t feel dressed appropriately. My husband jokingly adds his two cents with, “That’s no way to make a first impression.”

Sometimes I wonder if we really think about the impressions we leave with others were our faith is concerned. Every person we meet is either encouraged or discouraged by interacting with us. Let’s be sure that we leave them feeling the love and acceptance of Jesus. Encouragement is a language we all need to hear more especially when leaving a first impression.