This morning, I woke up feeling tired and stressed. I’ve been taking a membership class at my church, so I haven’t gotten to go to main service. Even though we shouldn’t have to rely on Sunday mornings to “charge” ourselves spiritually (we should be feasting daily on the Word), it can still be draining to spend a whole Sunday morning pouring myself out in classes. And today was a day I could have used some encouragement.
But who shows up after membership class but Stephany and her friend, other Megan, from Greeley!!! It made my whole week that they drove down just to see/meet me and worship my Jesus with me. Ted and Stephanie Hummel led worship second service in the mosaic room, which was a treat. Ted led youth worship band when I was in the youth group (before he married his amazing wife), and he has an incredible heart for Christ, His kiddos, and His awesome invention of music. They played some old songs that we used to perform. It was an uber-worshipful experience. I would have shed a tear or two if I would have let myself… 🙂
In Rooted, our new friend Joy joined us. I know how hard it is coming to a new church, so I think I actually feel stressed for new people when they come (I also just read about Paul’s charge in Colossians 4:5). But having Steph, Megan, and the rest of our crew there seemed to really help her feel welcome. Win!
Kirby, our teacher in Rooted, also shared his vision for the future of our ministry. It encouraged me that he had put so much thought, prayer, and love into this plan. I love the men and women in Rooted, and I’m passionate about their spiritual maturity, no matter where they are and where they come from. And it’s great whenever I get to hear about someone else who shares that passion. I want to keep believing in these men and women, not giving up, finding encouragement when I’m discouraged. Because God IS going to do some amazing things here. Far more than He already has.
My NoCo friends said they had left the whole day open to hang out (!!!), so we pretty much drove all around the Denver metro area and just went on an adventure. So fun! Especially because everyone was so flexible. First, we ate at the Warhorse Inn on Parker Mainstreet:
Cool! That was the most filling 1/3-of-a-plate of nachos I’ve ever had.
We also ran into a surprise farmer’s market:
Then other Megan said the Toms warehouse was having a sale, so we hung out there for a while:
Look at all those shoes!!! And there was this sign: “Toms gives shoes and sight. What would you give?”
Jesus, yes. Love and hope and God, one in the same. Mother’s milk? Hmm… ok.
We didn’t end up buying any shoes, but we tried a few on.
When we got back, we went on a beautiful nature walk along the Cherry Creek bike path, and then snagged some froyo. (I don’t have pictures of the walk, but I might be able to snag some from other Meg one of these days.) What an encouraging day! You guys rock.
There are so many times in my life when I’ll be just striving toward something, and to no avail. Then I surrender and reach out to God and his people for help. And they surprise me with something I couldn’t do in my own strength even if I tried.
We can’t go through life alone. And even if you could, or even if you feel like you’re pretty independent, life is so much more glorious when you let people love you. When you let God surprise you with His love.
This week, make room for miracles. Reach out. Be broken. Love others even while you wait to be loved yourself. Be faithful even when others are not. Be patient, but believe that God will meet you where you are and provide for your needs… that is, when you leave room for Him to be your ultimate provider (not yourself!). And God will generously provide you with more love, appreciation, affirmation, and attention than you could have ever expected in a world that you control.
Have a joyful Monday! And I mean that.
Here are your take away’s for this post:
- Everything is art. Be creative.
- Everything is ministry. Love hard.
