All in God’s Time

It is interesting how the experience of a routine is different from how every day felt exactly same during lock down.  These last few weeks have involved getting kids ready for school, me going to work either in person or from home, and routine evenings.  I believe the difference must have to do with knowing at least nominally what to expect.  The day has rhythm and weekdays are different from weekends…and Sunday morning will have a more tangible impact on the demarcation of time and weekly routines.

I was laughing with someone who asked if I was nervous about going back to in-person worship.  I joked that I hope I don’t botch it.  I’m a bit out of practice and the last time I went this long without leading in-person worship I was starting seminary twenty years ago. I’m not nervous, at least not yet.  I’m not nervous from a health standpoint as we have been thorough in our preparations.  I’m not nervous from a logistical standpoint as I am pretty hopeful everything will come back to me as we step right back into the eternal moment of worship.  I’m a little nervous in the way that you get butterflies when you get to see a really old friend you haven’t been around in a long time.  I can’t believe I get to see some of you and pray with you.  It will be different for sure.  I guess I am also a little nervous that those who attend will find that the experience is different enough to not connect in the same way. 

But, when I really stop to think about it, I am excited for all of our people, whether already RSVP’d or worshiping from home this Sunday, because a group of our faithful will gather on behalf of the whole congregation in corporate worship to be reminded that God provides.  The essential life of worship gives us all our daily bread and assures us that no matter where we are, we are God’s people and He will be in the midst of us.  In whatever way we enter and whatever it will look like, this church program year will be saturated with the hope and love of God. I look forward to what we will get to share together.

We love you and God loves you.