The world works in a hierarchical structure.  Everyone knows there is an “A” List, a “B” List, and the I’m-Sorry-You-Are-Not-Listed “X” List.  I was reminded of this just last week when I called to book an appointment for a haircut.

I needed a haircut. Badly. In like, I have NEVER gone this long without a haircut. Put it this way, if you were to take a picture of me at this very moment, you would say, “Geez, that girl needs a hair cut.”

I called to make an appointment for a hair stylist this weekend. A new hairstylist.

You see, I’ve been going to the same hair dresser in downtown San Francisco for decades, since I was a rookie fresh out of college, working my first job in the city’s Financial District. Ever since that fateful day, I have never had a bad hair day. I haven’t switched hair dressers since. Up until now.

With two kids under four years of age, I can’t just take a morning out for an hour long drive to San Francisco, lounge around a salon, only to drive a third hour back. Time is a precious commodity. I’d rather spend it with Hubby and hang out with the kids together.

I need someone close by to do the job. Quick, but still good.

Luckily, I got a great recommendation. I dial the number. The call connects.

“Hello. This is Fancy-Schmancy-Salon,” a young girl with a friendly voice answers.

“Hi, I’m calling to make an appointment with So&So. Does she have an opening this Saturday? I can come in anytime.”

I hold my breath, whispering a prayer that I’ll get an appointment. God, you know how badly I need this!

“Oh, this Saturday? She is completely booked. I’m sorry.”

I’m not giving up so easily. “Well, is there any way you could put me on the wait list? I can be available at a moment’s notice. I live nearby.”

Pause. I smell an opportunity here.

“You see, I really need a haircut. Like desperately. I just survived having a newborn and I had my last haircut when I was pregnant. I really need one badly.”

“Well… There is one opening So&So has, but she likes to save it for special customer requests. Tell you what, I’ll book you for this Saturday.”

Thank you, Jesus! Uh-oh. Wait a minute, she tells me. Muffled voices talk.

“Are you a regular customer of So&So?” she asks.

“No, I’m a new customer. My-Friend-From-Apple referred me. She is a regular customer.”

More muffled voices talk. Another voice speaks on the other end.

“Hello. This is The-Manager-Of-The-Salon. I’m sorry, there was a mix up here. So&So is only taking regular customers at this time. Her schedule is completely full and she is no longer taking on new customers. Again, I am sorry.”

Wow. I can’t even get on the schedule. This was very upsetting. I felt so small.

So, a new customer is less important than a regular customer? … Uh, yeah. That’s the way it works, sister.

My hair appointment wasn’t meant to be. It still looks like a beehive is hiding under my hair.

Thank God, Jesus still loves me, I tell myself, as I hang up the phone in defeat.  Jesus loves me, even if my hair looks puffy. Even if I’m not important enough for So&So to take care of.

I’m glad I’m God’s regular customer. He’ll never bump me off His appointment book.

Dear God, I’m number one in Your book, right?  .. Behind Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Peter, Paul..  — Ugh. I’m not feeling better yet. I know, I know. You tell me that you love all Your children the same. No more. No less. Still. God, help me to believe that this is true. Because right now, I don’t feel so good.

The way things work down here, they just can’t be true with You, in the spiritual realm, right? It just can’t be so.

No, Bonnie. That is not how I work. In fact, it is the other way around. I take special notice of those who may not look so important in the world.

I smile. Oh, good.

“A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out ’till He leads justice to victory.”  Matthew 12:20

Have you ever gotten the “Sorry, only VIPs here” treatment?

Do you ever feel like you are on top of God’s “A” List or My-Favorite-People List?

Or do you struggle at times, like I do, feeling like you’re just one of the masses in God’s address book?