Being a pretty transient person (with a constant need for change and movement) this was a big deal for me.
I was growing. Expanding my horizons. Committing.
Even if only to a place and town.
I made the decision to purchase my first home, and with great excitement (and a sprinkle of apprehension) I immediately signed on with the first realtor who was recommended to me.
A business card tossed my way in passing from someone who I mentioned my new aspirations to.
Now, this guy was a smooth operator. A real salesman.
(Courtesy of Google Images)
And slimy as all get out.
I didn’t pick up on that initially though; mostly because of all the whirl of emotions I already had surrounding buying my first home. But there were little hints at several points along the way. The intensity with which he attempted to direct me towards homes priced higher than the range I had decided I could afford. The way in which he spoke of his “baby mama” openly and with much contempt. The constant pushing I felt from him to make a decision, long before I was ready.
But the real kicker came the day he called me up on the phone and laid it all on the line.
A conversation which had nothing at all to do with my new home purchase.
No, it would seem as though this realtor of mine had developed a “thang” for me, and he made no bones about making it very clear.
Ending the conversation by boldly telling me “I just… I really want to fellowship with you. I think we’d have a good time together.”
Now, just so that we’re clear; he did not want to “fellowship” with me in the way that most people use that term.
No. He wanted to fellowship in my pants.
And I remember thinking to myself that it really was a wholly inappropriate use of that term.
I found myself a new realtor the next day.
The point being; ever since that moment, the word “fellowship” has sent chills up my spine.
I have just never been able to hear it again without somewhat questioning the intentions of the speaker. It has forever been marred in my mind now as something synonymous with an icky realtor portraying less than pure intentions.
Last night though, I partook in some fellowship.
Of the most innocent kind imaginable.
Sunday at church an older couple in the congregation had asked if they could take me out to lunch after the service. I was initially a little thrown off by their offer. We had only spoken a handful of words to each other, and while “hellos” were exchanged every week, there wasn’t much beyond that.
But I saw the kindness in their eyes and decided that this was a couple who had clearly seen me come to church every week by myself. They were reaching out, in the best way they knew how. Trying to extend the hand of kindness and make a new friend in the congregation.
And for that, my heart could not have filled more for them.
I have been going to this church for over a year now, and not once has anyone ever made a similar gesture towards me.
Now, don’t get me wrong; I don’t exactly invite it. I tend to show up to church after the worship service has already begun, I sit towards the back, and I duck out as the pastor says his final amen.
In case I haven’t disclosed it here before; I am socially awkward. I’m great in groups of people I know, but when I am the odd man out… I definitely have it in me to be a wallflower.
So their offer truly warmed my heart; unfortunately, I had to decline. Sundays, after all, are the days I run the live infertility chat over at the community.
They asked for my number though, and I gave it to them. Assuming I would never hear from them again.
And then last night, I did. This kind older couple making a second attempt to befriend me. Asking me to dinner, and offering to treat.
I determined they were attempting to adopt me. There was simply no other explanation.
And while I didn’t know much about the two of them at all, I again was warmed by their efforts. So even though I had 1000 things to do and was completely unsure of what I would talk to these practical strangers about for the evening; I accepted.
And we spent almost 3 hours sitting at a dinner table chatting. About everything. About faith, and life, and my issues, and their children.
Everything.
I found myself absolutely falling in love with this couple who I can now tell you without a doubt; clearly wants to adopt me.
When it was time for us to leave, they both hugged me and thanked me for giving them my fellowship for the evening.
And I smiled.
Because for the first time in a long time; that word didn’t give me the same icky feeling it had before.
In fact, I think it was the perfect definition of what the evening had been.
