Sunday, May 8, 2011

My dearest God,

Love met me at the door; no, love nearly knocked me over. My husband and I decided to participate in worship at Bethel United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, the church I served for nine years. As I stepped through the first glass doorway and started to open the next door, someone burst through the door, grabbed me up, and gave me a gigantic hug. Then there was another one and another one and another one. By the time I got to my pew I had been hugged 30 or 40 times. Wow!

When the worship was over, more hugs greeted me. Stories were shared. Updates were given. Smiles, well wishes, affirmation, and faith growing up took hold of me. It was a glorious time in your house.

When I was an active pastor it was all about giving. As a visitor this morning, it was all about receiving. As I took in the countless expressions of love, I thought about your design for the church. Every person is entitled to be wowed by God's love inside the church. If we really greeted every man, woman, teen, and child with gestures of your love, there would be no doubt that you were alive in the world. Everyone would come to your church awaiting your personal visit.

Remind us
that we are
your ambassadors
on this planet.
Teach us
to always
reach out
in love.
Help us
inspire others
with your hope,
peace, and joy.

Love, Andrea