Saturday, March 7, 2009

Dear God,

There were 600 at the confirmation rally today, almost all youth. They played some team building games, took their picture with the bishop and sang and danced with a Christian band. Then they lined up in the aisles to take Holy Communion. What a scene!

I hadn't looked forward to it. I knew it would be a long day and a loud day. But I had hoped it would be a good day for the kids. I was blown away by what I saw. Perhaps it was my inability to believe that God could speak to my own heart during a youth rally. But speak, you did.

I think I could even see a stirring in their faith, a gentle movement toward a deeper understanding of a life with you. They listened intently as a model of John Wesley talked about faith and its meaning to life. And to the bishop when he spoke about confirmation and what that means.

However, the greatest surprise was when I mentioned about saving the pop can tabs for Riley Hospital that took my breath away. I just mentioned it and all of us placed ourselves beside the recycle bins telling the people we would like their tabs. A couple youth were up to their shoulders digging in the bins to pull the tabs. The boys went through the crowd asking for tabs. I don't know how many we saved but we filled a plastic bag. My confirmands still sang and danced with the band while we collected them but they were determined to get as many as possible.

I thought to myself that these were the ones who would be church leaders in the future. They would make big decisions about how we do church in the future. They would determine what mission and service would look like. They would negotiate how Christian love is lived out.

Holy Spirit God,
today I watched
with great interest
the movement
of your love.
I saw
the ways
your love
was present
and I was excited
to see
your power
at work.
I was honored
to be present,
to participate,
to sing
and dance myself.
Thank you,
dear God,
thank you.

Love, Andrea