Cici's Pizza--not exactly the haven of the Carb-conscious. Yet that's exactly the place that Levi wanted to go for his 10th birthday dinner. I was prepared to knock back a few diet cokes and nibble on some salad. I've been the route of "scrape the cheese and pepperoni off" before, and I was not the least bit thrilled about the prospects of a good meal.

But then something happened. Something wonderful.

My wife asked the apparent Assistant Manager, "What do you have that's lo-carb?"

He responded, "This is a pizza/pasta/dessert place...not much."

But then the Manager stepped in, with a big smile, and said, "Hi! What can I do to help you? What can I make for you--anything!"

I was a little surpursed. $3.99 f0r an all-you-can-eat meal doesn't usually translate to the kind of establishment that goes above and beyond the call of duty.

He went on to make me a bowl of meats and cheeses, with a few peppers and black olives thrown in for good measure. He baked it in the oven and brought it out to our table. He said that it was his first attempt at a lo-carb casserole, but I would have sworn that he was an expert. He stopped by a few minutes later to see if I liked it, and if I wanted another.

I wonder how different the average non-churchgoer would feel about church if that's the kind of reception she got when he ventured into the local house of worship. What if we went out of our way (with a big smile) to make sure that (as far as it was possible) he and his family felt loved and appreciated, like they matter.

I'll bet he'd come back. I'll bet he'd tell his friends about the experience. I'll bet he'd be a loyal customer. I'll bet it might even change his outlook on church.

But (to quote a friend) what do I know?

Anybody want to go grab some all-you-can-eat?