Like Braveheart, like Texas!
I learned today that I am a legend among waiters at McCormick's for my drinking ability. There are people that continue to talk about my exhibition of alcohol mastery on Saint Valentine's Day (I wish a happy "VD" to all of you) in 2002!!! Local legend will tell of me drinking shots that I've never even heard of, much less consumed. And other waiters will tell stories of Texas John continuing into a bourbon evening while they spinned beyond help and hope, desperately trying to keep up. Apparently I'm a force to be reckoned with on the alcoholic front.
The way that works is thus: I'm a poker player and a gambler. I know how to work the appearance of things to my gain. In a poker game, I never get drunk but stay slyly on top of things to maximize control of the money on the table. The same thing applies to the folks at my restaurant. I don't really consume as much alcohol as they think I do (at least, I don't get drunk at all). I want them to realize that this man who loves God and has dedicated himself to His glory can gain their respect in ways they can understand. Then cool things happen like discussions of lent and devotion to God over a couple of drinks after work.
Bottom line is this: In various ways that waiters respect, I'm kickin' ass. And if I can harness that respect into a hearing for the Good News, maybe we can get some more lovers of God out of the mix. Here's hopin' and prayin'!
The way that works is thus: I'm a poker player and a gambler. I know how to work the appearance of things to my gain. In a poker game, I never get drunk but stay slyly on top of things to maximize control of the money on the table. The same thing applies to the folks at my restaurant. I don't really consume as much alcohol as they think I do (at least, I don't get drunk at all). I want them to realize that this man who loves God and has dedicated himself to His glory can gain their respect in ways they can understand. Then cool things happen like discussions of lent and devotion to God over a couple of drinks after work.
Bottom line is this: In various ways that waiters respect, I'm kickin' ass. And if I can harness that respect into a hearing for the Good News, maybe we can get some more lovers of God out of the mix. Here's hopin' and prayin'!