Did not recognize me!!

I go to a very large church. So large, that we have 2 campus' and 6 services. I have known our Pastor for over 6 years. He usually is at our other campus, so I don't see him to often. He knows me and when I see him, he waves and says hi. Usually! 

We have other connections with him and his family other than church. His daughter shares the same In-Laws as my daughter. So we've been to weddings, showers and shared holidays together as well as church functions.

Last night my Pastor and his wife were sitting behind me. When it came time to "get to know your neighbor" I turned around and smiled at him and he said, "And you are?" He said is in a sing song voice, so I replied, "I'm Joooyeeee" How are you? That flustered him a little and his wife said, "P this is Joy S"....He still did not connect who I was, but I could see some spark of recognition come to his eyes. Then she finally said, "You know N's mom".

Finally the light bulb went on and then he said, "You know I thought you looked a little familiar, what have you done to yourself? New glasses, new hair, I did not recognize you!" Then I added I've also lost over 50 pounds. That may have been a factor as well. He said, "Well I thought so."

When this happened, at first, I started to get my feelings hurt. I'm was thinking, "You've got to be kidding me, how could you know know who I am. Really?"

Then I had to calm down and remember that I had not seen him in a while. I guess I have not realized how different I may look to people. Everyone I know here in Oregon, except for family, have never seen me this thin. I too look in the mirror and really see some difference in my face. Kind of like what I'm seeing!!

So instead of feeling dejected and have hurt feelings because someone did not recognize me or acknowledge me. I'm rejoicing!!! Because I'm not the same as I used to be. I am a new creation!

How about you....Are you changing on the outside?

Keep focused!