A Good Day!

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.