Church and My Baseball Cap

I went to church this morning in my baseball cap.

I sang Halleluiah, said the Lord’s Prayer and shared the Peace in my baseball cap.

I even took communion with a big orange T mounted firmly on my head.

Years ago, I would have never worn a baseball cap to church. It felt disrespectful, and I was pretty sure someone in the congregation would “Tsk-Tsk” me in their thoughts, if not tell me directly, “Shame on you.”

This morning I slept a little longer than I meant to. I quickly put together a dish for the potluck and got the kids ready. Soon it was time to go. Because I had not taken a shower the entire day before, I was sporting a fairly greasy hairdo. In the past, I would’ve just skipped church all together. Embarrassed of my poor hygiene and too ashamed to wear a hat, I would’ve missed Pastor Will’s inspiring “live Easter day everyday” sermon. I wouldn’t have tasted the yummy broccoli salad, eaten the mystery quesadilla thing that turned out to be really good or devoured that delicious rice crispy dessert with the dark chocolate on top. I totally would’ve missed out on the delightful conversation with a couple that I hadn’t had a chance to get to know. How could I let my vain insecurity keep me from so many of God’s blessings?

Well, this time I didn’t. And as I dipped my finger in the Holy Water and crossed my forehead (right under the brim of my UT baseball cap), I heard God speak loud and clear to my heart. He didn’t say, “Shame on you.” He said, “I’m glad you’re here.” And as I walked back to my seat, I’m pretty sure I heard Him whisper, “Go Vols!”