A Good Day!
Yesterday was a good day. It was 70 degrees outside. I got to spend some quality time with my
daughter playing basketball in the driveway and I got all of my bushes pruned
at the right time of year for the first time in history. Today the wind chill is registering 0 degrees
outside. 0 degrees outside – that’s a 70
degree difference for those of you in Hawaii.
But the weather isn’t why yesterday was a good day.
Yesterday was Sunday. As a church we had been fasting for 21 days –
focusing on healthy foods like fruits, veggies and grains and not meats and
sweets. Yesterday we broke the fast
together with a Breakfast – donuts and bacon everywhere. It was a youth fundraiser. Parents brought casseroles, students served,
everyone cleaned up. It was a good meal
and a good time together. It was good to
eat bacon too. But the bacon isn’t why
yesterday was good.
Last week, I spoke to the church
body about how God has planned for each of his followers to use their gifts and
abilities to serve him and each other. I
used the illustration of Jenga, the game where each player pulls out a block of
wood on their turn until ultimately the whole thing falls down. I gave everyone a block of wood from the
Jenga game just to remind them of their importance to the body. When they are missing or not using their
gifts, the church gets weak and unsteady.
Each person is incredibly important as they serve. Yesterday, I got to see the real life
version and it was a good day!
I didn’t speak yesterday. Our pastoral intern spoke and did a really
good job explaining God’s love for us.
Our worship leader did an incredible job applying the message and
closing the service. It was excellent
teamwork and a powerful message. We had
several people with significant health issues present. They have been out either in the hospital or
at home on doctor’s orders. While we’ve
prayed for them, we haven’t seen them for a while. There were hugs, smiles, handshakes, and all
manner of encouragement. After the service,
one couple connected with a young couple who were first time guests. They introduced them to several other young
couples. Meanwhile, a member of our
prayer team was praying for healing for one of those facing health issues. A group of ladies gathered to talk and plan
an event to strengthen marriages- later a couple of them encouraged and prayed
for a mom who had a tough week with a teething baby. The body of Christ caught in the act of
loving, serving, and caring for others.
It was a very good day.
And I am thankful.
