I had to confess to my staff on Tuesday, I did not see last Sunday coming. I knew the plans we had for Sunday: the theme, music, and program roll-outs. What I did not see coming were the people, excitement and fun that were in the air all day:
42 children and youth showed up for the Children’s Sermon at the 9 o’clock service, and a young woman joined our church.
A precious baby was baptized at the 11 o’clock service and another couple joined (this after three people joined the week before!).
Five people showed up for our membership class.
With more babies in the nursery, we have another baptism is coming this Sunday.
Our attendance of 352 in worship and another 350 views online were the highest of the year (except for Easter).
100+ showed up for dinner and Trivia Night that evening.
I didn’t see all that coming, and I am still stand amazed. Yet, I shouldn’t be. This is what we have been praying for–for over two years–and God is faithful. As I mentioned in my devotional on Wednesday, I am guilty of bringing so many prayers to God for the now and the future that I forget that God has been working on my prayers of the PAST and may be just now bringing those to fruition. The question becomes, “Am I paying attention long enough to express my thanksgiving to God–today–for all that God has been doing and is doing?”
Forgive me Lord my impatience. Enable me to bask in your Spirit’s moving and feel your divine encouragement to trust you … again, for tomorrow. Amen.
Connecting God and Grace to Self and Community,
