Monday, January 9, 2012

Dear God,

It all started yesterday when we pulled into the parking lot...so many cars, four parking assistants, and crowds of very happy people pouring out of the church.  "Wow", I kept saying to my daughter, "wow!"  As we parked and walked toward the building I asked, "How was worship?"  "Great!", they told me.  But then we walked inside and the large gathering area was filled with people, maybe a hundred sipping coffee, talking, laughing, and having a good time.  As we mingled, I observed people of varying colors and ages sharing with one another. Ten minutes later a big bus pulled up and at least 50 teenagers rushed through the doors.  All I could do was smile, tears moistening my eyes, as I remembered a junior high retreat at Camp Barbee.

It was a snowy weekend in January, 1982.  As the youth minister I had taken about 15 youth to the denominational camp in northern Indiana.  There we played, shared, silenced ourselves, studied, and worshipped together.  When I offered an opportunity to make a first time commitment to Christ, Robbie scooted into the middle of our circle since we were all sitting on the floor.  I prayed for him and the others.  A couple hours later we packed up and I made the count.  Robbie was missing.  I went through the big house calling his name but there was no answer.  Finally, I walked upstairs to his dorm room and there he was on his bed staring at the ceiling.  "Robbie?"  I said.  Looking dazed he told me something dramatic had happened to him in the worship service. He knew you wanted him to do something.  I assured him that in the weeks and months to come you would reveal what you had in mind for him.  And you did.

And there I was in his church of joyous people.  As I stood in the congregation singing contemporary Christian songs and then listened as Rob preached a very meaningful sermon, I realized once again how your loving spirit works to call and equip your people.  My heart was full and blessed.

God of Many Wonders,
what joy
I feel
as I
remember events
long ago
and just yesterday.
Thank you,
Mighty God,
for your
incredible work
and magnificent spirit.
You are everything
to me.

Love, Andrea