Wow!! Thank you so very much to all 120+ of you who came out to get your hands busy and put together hygiene kits for Haiti and the Missouri Hotel, food packets for the pantry, and to fold sheets and towels for distribution to area agencies. I saw so many people not only working hard, but having a really good time together, and I hope those of you who participated left feeling energized and joyful.
However…I have a confession to make. While the work we did on Saturday was certainly inspiring, what I found myself really focused on was the space in which we were working. I am overwhelmed by the possibilities of how that building can be used to help others and to accomplish more and more of the work God has planned for us. Not only that, but the amazing way that the use of that structure makes space available in our current building to FINALLY update our nursery situation, make more space for the scads of kids and youth running around, and to (most importantly) create an environment where more people can get to know this amazing God we worship just does not seem like a coincidence to me. Rather, it seems like we are in the midst of watching God’s plan unfold RIGHT BEFORE OUR EYES!
Another confession. Money is not my favorite subject. I’m sure that is probably true for many of us, but with the potential of this project, I’ve found myself thinking more and more about how God would have me “get my skin in the game” (to quote Pastor Bob). I believe very strongly that God instructs us to give. It’s not a stretch to believe this…it’s very clearly spelled out in the Bible, but when looking at giving beyond our yearly pledge to the church, I have to admit that I struggle. The struggle exists because the truth of the matter is that giving more will require sacrifice, and sacrifice is not my favorite subject either! But when I look back at those times when Darrell and I have been faithful to God, even when it has required sacrifice, I see over and over again how the blessings more than reimbursed whatever we gave up.
So here we go! Another chance to trust God and see what he has in store. Scary? – yes…a little bit. But exciting too.
