This has been an exhausting day.
The Good
I was able to counsel a young lady on her recent traumatic breakup with her b/f. I was particularly moved when she shared that since coming to know her now former b/f, she has been pushing God away. Now, she wants to move on and recommit herself to God. So we prayed together that God would honor her desire. We also prayed for the young man, that God will speak into his life and help him stay on the paths of righteousness.
Several of the church family shared that they felt blessed by the children's dance performance. Our pastor actually said he felt the hand of God, which was like, wow. Only God can do that, touch people and give them a sense of His presence. All praise to Him!
We had a special guest all the way from Caroline Springs UCA, who sang two songs in the most stirring baritone: You'll Never Walk Alone and Walk In Faith With God. What was particularly memorable was how he requested after the first song that we not applaud him when he finished the second, but that we silently give God the glory, because he was only using the gift that God had given him. That is Christ-like humility, and I know I was not the only one who was impressed.
Over Family Lunch, I had the opportunity to sound out some of our SS parents on the idea of getting the kids to do some planting of flowers for a church member's garden during the school hols. The parents are receptive and I have sent out an email to confirm the date and time. It will be a wonderful blessing for givers and recipient to experience both sides of "It is more blessed to give than to receive". And of course, it is another opportunity for me to get to know the kids in a different setting.
News of Beth's salvation story has apparently gone around. I was surprised when various people came up to tell me they had heard the good news during Church Council, Elders or some other church-related meeting over the last few days, and they all expressed their delight and joy. It is one of the blessings of belonging to people with whom we share a common faith and common values, that when one rejoices, all rejoice.
Another cause of rejoicing: a couple we have not seen in months are back! The lady had had a fall and needed to be hospitalized, and endured some other health complications as well. Today she was in a wheelchair, while her husband followed protectively with his walker. It is not easy for them to make it to church in their current circumstances, and their commitment and courage certainly put my own petty problems in perspective.
The Bad
I was so focused on getting the kids through their dance performance that I forgot to brief them on what should happen after. So after they streamed out into the foyer and Renee and I said 'Well done', it was near impossible to get them to go back in and sit down for the rest of Family Service. What happened in the end was some of the older ones went back in and sat with their families, while the younger ones (my own two included!) stayed in the foyer to play with Lego.
My pastor's wife tells me he worked very hard on the Family Service program to make sure it had something for every child and adult. That made me feel terrible. Next term I will do better, and include in our SS sessions guidelines on how the kids are expected to conduct themselves in church, particularly on Communion Sundays and Family Services. It is time to bring back the discipline.
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