Here\u2019s what i saw from my mat on the floor\u2026 Two beautiful stain-glass windows, a long-ago gift, given in memory of a loved one; a diverse array of colorful crosses on the wall, gathered from many people and places, and artfully arranged by a crafty church lady; just out the windows, a peace pole, some nicely-pruned trees, and a welcoming, recently-resurfaced parking lot\u2013all of which took some major money and \u2018doing\u2019 and many\u00a0hours of labor; and the very windows, clean and shiny, recently relieved of dusty, ancient blinds and dark, ugly sunscreens\u2013also the work of many pairs of hands and eyes; and finally, the floor on which we lay, a lovely, rustic (reasonably clean!) stained concrete, where just a short time ago was dingy tile and carpet that\u2013well, it just defied description. Let\u2019s just say\u00a0it was past its prime, and even in its prime, served as more function than fashion.<\/p>\n
The recent transformation of the sanctuary\u00a0and gathering space was costly; it took time and took some heavy lifting by many hands. Old window coverings thrown away to let in the light. Old floor coverings torn away to reveal the natural beauty of the space. New paraments sewn with love. Furniture for visiting and relaxing, where there used to be\u2026well, just piles of stuff. In that space yesterday (in my state of hyper-awareness) i was reminded that nothing in ministry is easy. Even the stuff that seems <\/em>easy took hours, months, years of vision, labor, investment and yes, faith, on the part of an entire community.<\/p>\n And while nothing comes easy, the best things do, in fact, happen naturally, organically, and in the perfect timing of the Spirit. I wanted to gut that sanctuary 5 years ago. But we weren\u2019t ready. We didn\u2019t have the money, or the hands, or the identity, to make that space what it needed to be. As I faced my warrior 2 out the south window yesterday, I gave thanks for the many seeds that were planted in faith; the many years of pruning and prayer; the many gifts of memory and tradition; and the creative vision and spirit of this congregation, all working to prepare a place of welcome, worship and service\u2026for me, and for all those who gather; for this new ministry, and for the next one that will emerge with seeming grace and ease, thanks to the work of many hands and hearts.<\/p>\n God is good.<\/p>\n
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