First Impressions

I remember my first job interview. It consisted of the manager at our local Burger Chef calling me on my sixteenth birthday to ask me when I was coming to work. Nearly all of my older siblings had worked there, and he had anticipated his new cashier for some time. I showed up, donned my brown and orange polyester uniform, and walked straight into the work force.

Not all interviews are quite that easy. So much can’t be learned from an application or even from a cursory interview. A resume only tells part of the story, but a person’s character is so much more than what a piece of paper can tell. How will this person handle pressure? Is he kind? How will he treat people?

One post especially, requires scrutiny of integrity and compassion: the pastorate.

Todd recently interviewed for a position as pastor, and we went together to interview with a committee from the church. The interview went well, and they asked all the right questions. Things felt great, and then…

We had the opportunity to dine with that lovely group of people after church at a local restaurant. We obviously wanted to get the relationship started on the right foot. Everyone chatted and got to know one another, made family connections, and so on.

Our little grandson suddenly grew quiet and clingy, leaning on Papa and not wanting to eat. He announced that his tummy hurt and lay on Papa’s lap to rest his weary little body. The weekend had been quite eventful.

Suddenly he stood up on Papa’s lap and hurled; I mean the boy channeled food from another universe and projectile spewed up and down Papa’s body and for good measure, leaned over and doused him down the back as well.

Todd took it all in stride, rubbing his back and encouraging him to get it all out–after all, he was already covered, why not go ahead and finish, right?

Todd was interviewing as pastor, and THIS was quite an impression….

We had spent the night in town so had travel clothing with us. Todd made his way all the way through the restaurant and out to the far side of the parking lot, decorated with this incredible blessing. He managed to get cleaned up and into a fresh set of clothes while the rest of us cleaned up the scene of the crime and comforted the little man until Papa arrived back with his fresh clothes. He felt much better after that, by the way.

In those moments, doused in regurgitation, my husband demonstrated his character, loving on that little boy and reassuring him that he’d be okay, and ultimately landed the job. I’m sure that we and the people of Pathway Community Church in Jackson, Michigan will enjoy many years recounting the story of his baptism by vomit in his extended interview.

If you’re nervous about an upcoming interview, we can loan out a grandchild–okay, not really, but we CAN give you some great advice: relax and let them see who you really are. Hopefully, that will make the best impression.

…and that’s the veiw from My Front Porch.