The ole' Mann

I went to the movies last night with my brother at a theaternearyou. When I was little I used to think that was one word—theaternearyou. That’s where you went to a movie. Anyways, we got to park super close, easily smuggled in our own drinks, and didn’t have to wait in any line for tickets because there wasn’t any line. We paid $3each. $3! Not $10. Then we walked into an empty theater and got to choose any seat we wanted. No one else came; it was a like a special showing just for us. We got to put our feet on the chair in front of us, and I was able to throw my purse and sweater on the chair next to me. We could have talked super loudly, burped, laughed obnoxiously. We didn’t, but we could have. My brother opened his can of pop without fear that someone would see or hear. I almost turned my phone back on thinking no one’s going to care if it goes off. And just before our movie started, a 16-year-old boy came out and directed his brief pre-flick welcome to just the two of us. Rather than walking all the way to the front of the theater, he stood in the center aisle at the end of our row. While trying very hard not to make eye contact with us, he thanked us for visiting Mann Theater, said he hoped we enjoy our experience and if we have any problems or concerns to visit the front counter for help.

It was like the whole place was operating just for me and my bro to have a great movie-going experience at a theater near us. Sounds great huh? Want to go to this theater?

Here’s the catch. It’s the old-man theater. AKA the ole Mann Theater of Maple Grove—the underdog—playing movies that are no longer playing at fancy schmancy theaternearyous. It used to be the hip, happenin’ place until the big, fancy schmancy AMC came to town. The one where you have to park super far away, wait in long lines, pay $10, be annoyed by tons of loud junior highers, follow lots of rules so as not to bother those around you. And there’s no personal greeting from an awkward theater employee.

I’m kind of a sucker for underdogs though. And so is God. With Him, you can bring your own pop, put your feet up on the seat and leave your phone on. And He really is operating just for you, just for me. He’s hardly the flashy AMC. I mean, He was human, born in a manger, rode a donkey. He was understated, subtle. Pretty sure His sandals were from Wal-Mart, not REI.

Anyways, sometimes when I’m tired or feeling lackluster at work or in friendships...when I’m feeling a wee underdoggish, I’m super thankful God’s the ole Mann. Not the AMC. Taking me as I am. Loving me where I'm at.

PS. We saw State of Play, which only increased my desire to know why some women think Russell Crowe is attractive.