Every Christmas season, since the last 2 years my family volunteer to serve in the annual event of Angels of Light event. It is one of the programs sponsored and hosted by the Second Baptist Church aimed at serving the Greater Houston Community by reaching out to the community to make a difference through meeting the needs of neighbors (the less privileged). The guests are called Angels of Light.

The angels are transported for free to and fro the event. They are treated to a dinner, they watch Christmas cartoon movies, entertained by a live performance (this year Team Impact took the stage), and finally the gospel is shared as the basis for the season, as well as each participating child gets a surprise Christmas gift waiting for them on seat when they enter their bus to go home.

So why did I give such a lengthy background?

Well, this year was my first time to participate with my family. In addition to the dressing up with a touch of Christmas colors, I thought we should look professional but smart-casual.

Oche didn’t really buy into my dress code idea, so he asked:

“Dad, why do we have to dress up so fancy? Most people won’t dress up so fancy?”

Me: “We are not trying to be most people. We’re being ourselves. What we are going to do is important and I’d like us to dress up appropriately, so the angels feel special. Remember how waiters wear their uniforms nicely and treat us well whenever we go to restaurants to eat?”

Oche: “Yeah.” (Lightening up)

Me: “See how they are dressed up in their uniforms; they smile and are happy to see us; they tell us their names; take our orders; bring our food and drinks; wait on us to get us anything we need… we really do enjoy their serving us, and at the end we give them a tip and say thank you? Don’t you feel special?

Oche: “Yeah.”

Agbenu: “Oh yeah!” (Cheerfully)

Me: “That’s how we should make the angels feel when we serve them tonight. So, we are not just dressing up fancy, maybe let’s call it costumes. We won’t just look fancy-fancy, we’ll look fancy in a cool way. I promise you; you will be very happy when we’re through. Ok?” (Patted him on his shoulder)

Oche: “Ok dad.”

At the preview meeting, upon arrival, we signed up to serve from behind the scene: bringing the meals to the angels. While we were getting briefed at the back end, an official came in, located us and said, “Your family looks lovely and beautiful in your attire. If you don’t mind, we would like you all to serve in the front by welcoming greeting the angels and ushering them to their tables. Once they’re all seated you can sit in a comfortable position, relax, and watch the show.” Of course, we obliged, and as result watched and enjoyed all the attractions in relaxation.

But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Luke 14: 10 – 11

The highlight was Team Impact‘s performance, peaking at these accomplished athletes preaching the gospel and leading children to Jesus.

Needless to say that we had a wonderful time serving together as a family and enjoying the fringe benefits that came with it.

On our way home I asked, “So how did you like the evening?”

Ofu: “I had fun.”🕺🏾

Me: “And I like how you showed the angels their table, pulled out the chairs and told them to enjoy their dinner. Good job, my super helper!” (He loves helping, so much that we even use asking him to help as antidote whenever he throws a fit 😀)

Ofu: “I saw you do it to the first family.” (Learning from modelling.)

Me: “Thank you! 😊 I’m so happy that you learnt that.”

Agbenu: “I loved it. I loved everything about the evening.”❤

Oche: “Dad you were right, and I’m glad that we dressed up fancy. That’s why we were called up to the front. We would have been behind and would have missed all the fun.”🕺🏾

Me: “Me too, thank you. So do you think the angels felt special because we dressed up fancy and treated them with respect?”

Oche: “Yes.”

Me: “That’s the idea. The other thing is that personal presentation matters in how you relate with people. You can’t go wrong if you present yourself properly. People will usually treat you with respect if you present yourself with respect or disrespect you if present yourself disrespectfully. And I don’t mean for you to be arrogant. Did you get that?”

Oche: “Yes.”

Me: “Finally, remember as mom and I always tell y’all to put in your best efforts in everything you do?”

Oche: “Yes.”

Me: “That’s what we did this evening, and it’s called excellence. If we were to be graded, what score do you think we’ll get?”

Oche: “That would be an A!”

Me: “Way to go! I hope you will remember that.”

Oche: “Yes, dad.”

Me: 😊

• November 30, 2018