I remember riding a bus to church on occasion, as a young boy.
I was quite shy and rode the bus by myself. Because I didn’t know anyone, I would sit alone by the window and just ride. Usually, there was someone at the front of the bus leading the kids in singing. I didn’t know the words to the songs, nor was I particularly inclined to sing because of my shyness. This led to the one leading the singing to encourage me and eventually scold me for my lack of participation.
It never occurred to him that I wasn’t being rebellious. There were other factors at work.
The very insistence that I participate actually resulted in my desire to never ride again.
The attempt to make me a part of the group ultimately excluded me entirely.
How often do we, in our zeal to encourage participation, run off good people?
Just because someone isn’t going with the program, doesn’t mean they don’t like it.
They may just need some time.
Can we give it to them or are we too impatient?
Joel Stiff's Adventure 