Today I had the opportunity to serve at the annual Methodist Men's BBQ at the Chatham Global Methodist Church in Edgewood TX, the town of less than 2,000 I grew up in.
My dad has been smoking brisket, sausage, chicken for most of my life and is proud to serve the church and community in this way by cooking every year.
The other men of the church, serve, package to-go plates, promote the event, and engage with the people.
I was helping my dad with a handful of his friends, enjoying perfect the spring weather and the jokes and conversation that comes with men gathering around smoked meat in Texas.
The power of BBQ to bring people together is the inspiration for today's Power Acronym.
Power Acronym 132: B.B.Q.
Brotherly love
I don't get a lot of opportunities to spend time with men twice my age so I'm grateful for the opportunity.
I was getting updated on what's happening around town, getting to know the guys, sharing stories, tracking sports, the Tom Brady roast, politics, church schisms, the Bible, and more.
All between bites of BBQ.
Better community
Meals are sacred.
In today's fast food culture of grab and go micro moments that leave you unsatisfied, prepared meals are an Oasis of nourishment.
Shared meals are the best way to bring people together for an experience that creates the environment to savor the moment and build relationships.
I also thought about all the good a local church can do for a community. To truly serve those in need of a meal, shelter, support, or an encouraging word.
Quality people
Maybe I'm just fortunate but in my life I I can't recall a time where I was eating BBQ at a function and was not enjoying myself.
Home, church, work party, on a patio of a restaurant, BBQ vibes are generally just better.
Time and setting have something to do with it.
The people have everything to do with it.
Bad people are everywhere - churches included, so you must watch out for them.
Just because bad people exist everywhere doesn't mean everyone is bad.
It just means that it's probably be a good idea to grab a plate and some sweet tea and get to know people.
Pursue the good.
In yourself, in others, in life itself.
In BBQ.
Good Lord thank you for BBQ.
Power Acronym Daily
Daily acronyms to encourage, enrich, and empower.