Sometimes you run late for church and that's okay (Here are Nine Ways to Late Churchgoers Can Save Face).
Other times you run late, but you are volunteering in some area and that's not okay.
It can be an awkward situation.
If it's your first time or you don't make a habit out of it, people understand. But for the habitual late person, tensions can run high and the sarcasm always eludes them.
A few weeks ago I made the mistake of being late when I was playing in the worship band.
Actually, I made the mistake of not reading an email, a follow-up email, a day before reminder, and a text. All of which stated that practice Sunday morning had been moved up half an hour.
I'm not sure why I'm in the band.
I play rhythm guitar. Really, I just play the guitar.
The only thing I can figure out is because I bring Teavana hot tea for between services.
What can I say? Worship band members are suckers for steeped hot tea that is pressed. (Except for the bass players.) Something about green peach tranquility tea makes you feel like you are floating on a cloud of worship.
The bad part about it was I was so late I didn't get a chance to grab my tea leaves or my tea pot. Looks like I won't be playing in the band for a while.
You know the band can't start without their rhythm guitar. That's why a friend tweeted me that I better get my guitar and come to church. I ran out the door and on the way I was creating excuses. All of which I knew were technically the truth, but honestly lies. Lying to a pastor is serious stuff, even if it is to a worship pastor.
That's when it hit me.
What do you do when you're late for church and you don't want to lie? You play a game.
Everyone loves a game. And if you can get them to laugh, forgiveness will soon follow.
The game is called "Two Excuses and One Truth".
It's pretty simple: you make up two fictitious statements along with the truth. They have to guess which one is the real reason. The great part about it is that it's not lying, because you gave them the truth also.
Here were my three:
1) I had to help a squirrel carry nuts safely across the street.
2) I didn't read the four messages you sent.
3) There was an online sale at Buckle this morning.
Unfortunately, no one was completely ready to go and I slipped right in without the opportunity to give an honest go at my game. I can't promise it will work for you. But next time you are late, you can give it a try.
Question:
What are some excuses that you would give?
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