Hearts are to be Strengthened by One Another….

 

Ian and I have been visiting a church here in our home town for the past month and we have been blessed.  My friend, Ernie had invited me for over a year…I am not certain why we didn’t visit before now, but I am glad he kept inviting me….that he did not give up on us. 

Our first Sunday, we immediately were blessed by the warmth and kindness offered us from these new brothers and sisters.  It wasn’t just the normal “nice-ness” which members share with visitors.  They genuinely made us feel wanted, welcome and cared about that very first Sunday.   

We were drawn in…. 

It felt like a place which we might be able to call home. 

As I glanced around the sanctuary, beautifully lit by the sunshine out the picture windows in front of me, I had to smile….Beloved friends from more than twenty years sat in the spaces around me….Carol and Richard Anderson, Ernie and Karen Heavin, Bill and Rachel Wilson…Vince and Patti …familiar faces from a former church now joined here…all with hearts I knew to be kind and loving and tender. 

 

Further searching the room led me to two elders whose humble hearts were evident in the way they spoke God’s word and participated in the “church family” class discussion.  These appeared to be the kind of men one would feel comfortable sharing life’s struggles and life’s’ joys with.  Women of all ages shared the room, sweet sisters whose eyes held a kindness which comes from living life shared with one another. 

All ages appeared to be represented in this smallish church family….very similar to the size of church in which I grew up….maybe that explains the familiarity.  I am not sure…but, I know that I could feel God’s presence in that sanctuary in a way I have not felt for many, many years and it was good.

And, I confess…the singing brought me to tears.  There could not have been more than thirty people or so in that room, but these sweet brothers and sisters…they sang big…and deep….and with great heart.  When I closed my eyes and listened, I would have guessed there to be several hundred people’s voices singing….Of all the parts of worship available, it is the singing I enjoy most and which makes me feel most drawn to God.  It is my best avenue for worship.  I believe there is something precious and holy in the voices of the saints when they come together in songs of praises to our God.  It is as if HE is right there beside us….drawing Himself into our-selves through song and praise.

And, I felt that this day of worship with these new brothers and sisters. 

But, what most touched me about these new friends in Him was their humble grace.  

 

Grace…. 

Divine love and protection bestowed freely on people 

Prayer requests were laid out openly from this little family….praises were offered and we celebrated

Healings and savings and reconciliations were presented and we shared joy 

Hurts and sorrows and broken-nesses were laid bare before one another, and we shared hope. 

I can only imagine God in heaven smiling at the authentic sharing of hearts and hurts and hopes.  Most definitely was I able to see and feel and be a part of the diving love shared in this place….love bestowed freely on one another in such a sweet and Godly way. 

Precious 

And, for the first time, in a long time, I felt safe and cared for….just as I was…..just as I am. 

For all of these weeks, the discussions have been on love… 

What does love look like?

I am not certain I have the perfect answer for that question, but I do believe this… 

Love looks like the faces of the brothers and sisters at this home of worship.  And, my family and I have been gifted to be in their presence…. 

Jesus lives in hearts of this church family and we are blessed to have been welcomed to spend time with them. 

Blessings,

Lesa