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This morning the elder who gave the call to worship said something to the effect of "I encourage to put aside the busyness of your life and enter into worship this morning." And something about that struck me in such a profound way that I was actually able to let go and just be present, truly present, for worship in a way that, I am sorry to admit, I really have not been for weeks, or more honestly probably months. "Finally!" I thought.
And, yes, there is much busyness to be set aside, including (but not limited to) big, huge editing projects that are just on the edge of too much for me to handle and, much closer to my heart, the near-certainty that these will be the last few days of this life for a dear family member.
And so in accepting the respite from "my busy life," I was reminded,
Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
for which I cried (unashamedly, actually) big, blubbery tears (at least loud enough for the sweet woman in front of us to offer me a stack of tissues). What an amazing promise.
And, as an added blessing, Bart spoke in AFC on John 11, the story of Lazarus: the reminder that Jesus is I AM and the hope (and reality) of the resurrection! (Do you ever get the feeling that everyone got together during the week to tailor a church service to just what you needed?)
(Do you ever get the feeling that everyone got together during the week to tailor a church service to just what you needed?)
Yes, indeed.
My eyes got all watery during Tracy Mullen's baptism this morning. It was beautiful to see her kneel to receive the sacrament on her head, to see her join the body at Zion.
Renae, thank you thank you for sharing. Though I didn't get to join in the singing at Zion I was at AFC and got to hear thoughts about Jesus. RT, I have replayed your thought on what it means that Jesus is the resurrection---it means that there is always hope.
there is always hope because Christ has conquered death. Thank you for that too.
wow renae! i'm so happy for you! how great it is to hear and accept christ's promises, to lay down all the worldly things in life, and to cry. and this big smile i have is also from knowing that another in the body comforted you and offered you tissues. sa-weet! thank you for sharing renae.
i forget at times, how great it is that there is nothing in this creation that the lord has not conquered.
lastly, renae more times than not i feel as if the pastor wrote the sermon with just me in mind. i can look back and see with such clarity. i'm humbled. i feel very close to the lord at those times. (so good...) have a sweet day renae. cheers . . ..
I have blubbered so often myself. There's something about being fully present in the moment, and feeling each feeling fully that makes me feel truly alive. And I wonder about the clarity of experience we will have in heaven. I wonder if it will be like the people who experimented with psychedelic drugs before they were illegal... they saw colors they had never seen before and had experiences that were heightened, both good and bad. Yes, like a heightened experience of all things good and perfect and lovely and peaceful, with no detracting issues, or fear or sadness or loss. Incredible clarity and enjoyment devoid of confusion and uncertainty. I long for that.
"Do you ever get the feeling that everyone got together during the week to tailor a church service to just what you needed?"
yes! in fact, i was just stating that exact sentiment to someone recently, as lately all teachings/services/afcs have spoken exactly to what i needed to hear, or what i've been mulling over, etc. it is a blessing to hear that this is the case for someone else, and it is an encouragement to hear about your tears. (an odd statement, but true)...
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