Wearing the Uniform

As I drove to work today, I passed a bike rider waiting at a light to cross the street.  I wonder about these guys. Sometimes they are happy to have the rules of a car, wanting a full lane of traffic to drive in, but other times they decide not to stop at the traffic light and ride through.  So this guy was decked out in the aerodynamic helmet, tight shirt made to look like you are riding in the tour-de-france, and the trademark biker shorts. Oh, don’t forget the fancy shoes or peds or whatever you are supposed to call them. Anyway, I wondered what it would be like for me to go for a casual drive in my car and put on a NASCAR jumpsuit and helmet, kind of like Speed Racer. Why do some people go all out for the uniform when they are not really playing? Most professionals practice in a uniform that doesn’t look like what they perform in. To even carry this a bit further, when I wear a nice outfit to work at the church, the first question is “Do you have a performance today?” Even to visit people in the hospital I wear average clothes.  We all have our performance clothes, don’t we?  I question the people that wear performance clothes in a casual setting.  Why do some clergy wear the complete clerical outfit to come for a regular day of work? I recently attended the National Anglican conference and at the end of the day went to get a drink with friends. No services had been conducted that day, just seminars, workshops, meetings. And yet, in the bar, the bike riders of our denomination were there. Clergy, dressed in collar, black shirt, black pants, black shoes, pink drink in hand.  Looking a bit out of place kind of like Joe Bike Rider in my neighborhood.  Oh, did I mention I spent 8 years in the U.S. Navy and we also had those that dressed up in full uniform to go to the mall on saturday? I also should mention I own the complete Speed Racer series on DVD.  Next time you see a Mustang in Central Florida driven by a guy with a white helmet and jumpsuit, just know I am trying to fit in.