When you receive the bulletin at church, it's a simple format: Several pieces of 8 1/2 x 10 pieces of paper folded and stapled to make a little 5 x 8 1/2 booklet.
Over the years, I have seen plenty of people open these booklets up and fold them backwards so that one of the inside pages is then the "cover." Apparently this is useful for paying attention to the order of service (if your church has one) or a particular announcement. I have even seen people fold the bulletins in half horizontally in order to drape them over the pew in front of them, for the purpose of reading the chorus/hymn lyrics.
When it comes to books (and, yes, booklets), I'm very particular. I don't like messing with the spine on books particularly, but this preference translates to booklets as well. I avoid folding my bulleting incorrectly at all costs. In fact, I'm one of those people who, when folding pieces of papers in half, takes the time to very carefully make sure that each set of corners matches up perfectly, and I cringe when I receive a folded paper that is clearly asymmetrical.
So, on Sunday, when I showed the order of service to someone, they folded my bulletin backwards and handed it back to me. Of course, I gasped — not because it bothered me, but because I knew that this person was also the type of person who had to have everything just so . . . but apparently, he either let loose this day or his anal retentiveness doesn't translate to church bulletins.
I can hear you asking, "Why are you ranting about this? Are you really this petty?" To answer your second question: Yes, I am that petty, but that's not why I'm "ranting" about this. I really don't care, except for the fact that this person followed his action up with "I'm sure I'll read all about it on your blog." I assured them that they would. Mission accomplished.
Some stories don't have a moral, or even a purpose.
This post was originally posted at The Smarmy Carny, Novac's general blog.
Dylan with Pastor Jeff