Easter Unexpected!
Yesterday morning, for a number of reasons, including my husband working on Easter (tough to be the low guy on the staff) and my daughter having commitments, I thought I was going to spend Easter at home. Then my daughter's schedule changed, last minute, and we headed off for church. We decided to go to the church where my two year old Goddaughters go, thinking it would be fun to spend Easter morning at, as they say, "Chuuch" with them.
This small church is very innovative and fun, I've gone a few times over the years, including the day the PB baptized the babies, two years back. (She was in town for the consecration of the new Diocesan Bishop). When my daughter and I walked in the priest's face lit up and his arms opened wide. We were almost late, the choir was already lined up to process....but the priest spontaneously asked me if I wanted to do something in the worship? I said, sure, whatever you want! He said, how about processing and proclaiming the Gospel. WOW! No small thing, IMHO.
So, I dropped my purse in a pew (no formal vesting, no time, no prep) and processed in with the choir and the altar party. A few minutes later I proclaimed the Gospel, tears welling in my eyes. Tears of joy, for the grace of the moment. Tears of love, what a gift this call from God is. Tears of gratitude for this simple act of grace and hospitality, so unexpected.
It's been a challenging Holy Week, not having a church to call my home. I was grateful to have a place to offer the meditation for Maundy Thursday, a place that is almost home, I've spent many years with the folks at that church. But otherwise I thought I was spending the rest of the week at home, knitting and drinking tea.
So Easter morning was a surprise and a great delight. And a reminder of how much I love what God has called me to do.
Easter came for me in that moment, in that worship. Easter, unexpected.
This small church is very innovative and fun, I've gone a few times over the years, including the day the PB baptized the babies, two years back. (She was in town for the consecration of the new Diocesan Bishop). When my daughter and I walked in the priest's face lit up and his arms opened wide. We were almost late, the choir was already lined up to process....but the priest spontaneously asked me if I wanted to do something in the worship? I said, sure, whatever you want! He said, how about processing and proclaiming the Gospel. WOW! No small thing, IMHO.
So, I dropped my purse in a pew (no formal vesting, no time, no prep) and processed in with the choir and the altar party. A few minutes later I proclaimed the Gospel, tears welling in my eyes. Tears of joy, for the grace of the moment. Tears of love, what a gift this call from God is. Tears of gratitude for this simple act of grace and hospitality, so unexpected.
It's been a challenging Holy Week, not having a church to call my home. I was grateful to have a place to offer the meditation for Maundy Thursday, a place that is almost home, I've spent many years with the folks at that church. But otherwise I thought I was spending the rest of the week at home, knitting and drinking tea.
So Easter morning was a surprise and a great delight. And a reminder of how much I love what God has called me to do.
Easter came for me in that moment, in that worship. Easter, unexpected.
Comments
May you know many more unexpected and wonderful surprises THIS week!
That's giving me a little Easter all over again!!
All the time God is good!
Thank you for sharing your story. It made my day!
LYMI
((Mompriest))
having had a church home for just three years now after a decade-plus-long hiatus, i am sensitive to your situation. i am not a priest; however, i can imagine that it's probably more difficult on your end than it was on mine.
indeed, there is resurrection!
love to you...
and
p.s. LOVE THE DOGGY FACE PICTURE!