Missionaries.

Today I heard an unexpected knock on my front door, and since we don't have a peep hole, I just opened it. And standing on the other side were two young men in suits and bicycle helmets, toting the Book of Mormon. As soon as I looked down and saw the book, before they even said anything, I said, "Hello! Sorry, not interested!" They were both very nice and as I was slowly closing the door, they kept trying to reel me in. I thanked them and said no politely, but I definitely closed the door before they could pander anymore.

Here is the thing, I GET that missionaries can be annoying. Especially if you are atheist, agnostic, or they are preaching a religion that has values that contrast your own. And I get it that they can be relentlessly pushy. I know people that will go out of their way to prank, shame and be glorious dickheads to missionaries that DARE knock on their doors just to get rid of them. I have had friends that answer the door naked. I have had friends that have just screamed bloody murder. I have had friends that said horrible, shocking things.

But here is the thing... They are generally young kids that are sent on missions thousands of miles away from their homes that can sometimes be very sheltered. These young boys today couldn't have been more than 18 or 19. They are in full slacks and ties in 100 degree weather. They are preaching something they so desperately believe in. They probably have never experienced the lifestyles they will encounter in this city and its slums. And they had smiles on their faces even as I was closing my door.

The point of this blog is not to judge religion: whether it be people that preach it or people that react to it. The point of this blog is simply to say-- be kinder to children and people that are strong in their faith. It is not for us to judge others beliefs just as we hope they will not judge ours. If someone comes to your door preaching or selling something you don't like, be kind. It takes nothing away from your life. By all means, close your door... But don't do it like an asshole.

That is all. Happy Tuesday.