Rejoice, I say it again, rejoice! Paul had to repeat himself to shake us out of the complacency into which we often drift in worship, in our day, in life. Sometimes we miss the amazing and dwell on the mundane. Interesting how God said the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil was placed in the middle of the garden. The fact that it was in the middle is significant. It means Adam and Eve had to walk past all the amazing trees and gifts with which they are blessed to focus on what they didn’t have. Sometimes I fall prey to noticing the void. Today was not that day.
Today I could not miss the blessings of the people around me. Each person on this team brings a color that makes the whole day a bit brighter. Aidan, Ethan, and Logan’s tag-team prayer heralded the hope growing within our youth. Judy’s dodging the fire hazards in her stellar charging preparations demonstrate how God is always protecting us. Who can ignore Nancy’s provision of every missing item that anyone might have forgotten. Jump to Kari’s baptism of others at the Haitian church (and her minty freshness) and the laughter swelled! Speaking of jumping – wow! What a church service! How could one not marvel at witnessing jubilant people carry newlyweds in a mosh pit procession. The energy of the service heralded the presence of the Holy Spirit – you couldn’t help but absorb the happiness.
Following the service, we were blessed with a profound sermon by Dave with Tom as a solid wingman. Tim’s rush for the flavored snow cone continued the humor with Stephanie’s sudden evacuation from cutthroat Frustrated Rummy game reminding us of the importance of family – even in the face of her strong lead.
Short story, long – today was filled with so many reminders that when we focus on others – we see so much more good in this world than when we get lost in ourselves. Sometimes in life, there are special moments that wake us out of our numb slumber to celebrate the God’s gifts. Today was a beautiful wake-up call.
Love in Christ – Candice Ciresi
