Monday, January 22, 2007 12:43 PM
"Paninis & Windows"
Last Thursday night, Kim and I were sharing a rare few
hours together alone without our boys. We were to
attend the Eagle Scout ceremony for Alex Purdie
(congrats again, Alex!). We decided to enjoy the
atmosphere of Panera Bread as we shared dinner
together before we went to the service.
I was very disappointed to find that the Chicken Bacon
Dijon hot panini that called to me from the signs
hanging prominently throughout the store was not
available! They had run out for the day. I had to settle
for a Smokehouse Turkey.
As Kim and I sat by a table for two next to a window in
the front of the store, we enjoyed rare, uninterrupted
conversation. As we enjoyed our dinner, we discussed
the inviting and cozy atmosphere of the restaurant;
especially the area up front with couches, chairs,
coffee tables, and a fireplace. I also noticed that the
entire front and side of the store was entirely made of
windows. Of course, the function of the clear glass
walls was to invite people to come in, have a
sandwich or latte or relax (while spending their money,
of course).
I began to think about that and discuss with Kim the
difference in the walls around this secular,
money-making establishment with the walls around
practically every church I've ever seen. Many of
today's church designs don't include many windows. If
churches do happen to have windows, most are
stained glass. Though they are beautiful to look at from
the inside and outside, they are by no means
transparent. No one sitting inside can see out; no one
standing outside can see in.
How inviting would Panera be from the outside without
the clear walls? Would a hungry passer-by notice how
nice it is inside with walls of brick or stucco?
Why not build our churches with these clear, glass
walls? Sure, someone will say it's not economical, or it
invites vandalism or a brick through the window. But
wouldn't it be great for a searching passer-by to be
able to look in and see the grace and love in the midst
of people who are just like them...only made new in
Christ. How much greater understanding of our mission
would the church have if we could constantly see
outside our walls to the world we are called to impact?
Maybe one day we'll be brave enough to build our
churches with big windows. We won't be afraid of
what's outside...and the outside will be able to see
what's really inside.
Maybe Panera won't be out of Chicken Bacon Dijon
paninis next time.
Eric