Pink Hats and Scary Trucks

  It is often said opportunities are missed because they come dressed in overalls and look like work.  But in relation to missionary work I'd like to say, opportunities are often missed because they come dressed in pink hats and have scary trucks.

Let me explain...

  The other evening my companion and I had an interesting experience. We had spent the whole day trying to look for new people to teach and nearly all of our original plans had fallen through.
   We had stopped at the gas station on our way home to fill the car up with gas.
  As we were doing so, and as a result of being somewhat flustered with the days events, I determined that I was going to walk up and talk to somebody.
   I started to look around for an opportunity, but as people came out out from the station to their cars they were either on the phone, in conversation with some, or looked anything but approachable and I just missed it.
  So more frustrate with myself, I looked around and noticed this big, rather scary looking black truck complete with flood lights on top, high wheels and skull and flame decals on the sides.
  I imagined it belonging to a somewhat rough looking biker type guy, or the villain form that cute Halloween movie "Little Vampires" (do you remember that?)  and wasn't so sure I should worry myself with speaking to the owner of that truck.
 But then again, this is what felt like my last chance to try and share the gospel with someone as we were getting ready to go.
  I'll admit I was a little nervous and was about to forget the idea when a tall lean man with a pink baseball cap, Levi's, and sweatshirt came strolling out to this monster vehicle. (Not what I had imagined the owner to look like at all.)
   I walked up and introduced myself as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. The man greeted me with a friendly smile and we had a great conversation.  He shared what his belief in Christ meant to him and accepted a Book of Mormon as we explained more about it and how it could help him know that God had called a prophet in our day.  We even prayed with him outside his truck before we left.
  I felt great as we walked back to the car and went on our way.
  It is amazing the people you find in all shapes and sizes that are willing to talk about the Savior. I just love it!
  As we were driving home I thought of a quote from a favorite church speaker;


        "You can never judge anyone... once you realize this you will be freed."  - Elder Busche

And also the famous, "You can never judge a book by its cover."

The Savior taught;

1 ^aJudge not, that ye be not ^bjudged.

2 For with what ^ajudgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what ^bmeasure ye mete, it shall be ^cmeasured to you again. (Matthew 7:1-2)

I know that God loves and knows each one of us individually. I felt it as we were talking with that man at the gas station.  I know He knew me and my desire to talk to someone while also teaching me an important lesson.  The Savior knows where each of us are in life, each of our quirks, struggles, trials, and short comings. And to all He calls;

28 ¶^aCome unto me, all ye that ^blabour and are heavy laden, and I will give you ^crest.

29 Take my ^ayoke upon you, and ^blearn of me; for I am ^cmeek and ^dlowly in ^eheart: and ye shall find ^frest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is ^aeasy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

I know that God is know respecter of persons. In every shape, size, truck, and baseball cap He invites us to come unto Him to feel whole and find rest. This new perspective has helped me to not judge others.

Will you seek to reach out to someone you normally wouldn't this week?

I know that as you do you will feel the peace and rest that comes from doing what the Savior would do. And also that you will be given better vision to see people as they really are;
 sons and daughters of God.

You just never know what might happen :)

What are some experiences where you might have judged "a book by its cover" and were pleasantly surprised??