Sermon From A Pint -Sized Preacher
James is one adorable four year old. He's one reason I love sitting among families with young children at church. You know, on the side opposite the choir with the altar in between. It's where you can make a fast exit with child in hand or wailing baby in arms. Life wiggles all around me. And so does holy hope.
Well, it's been almost a week since James took off, while we were singing, "A Mighty Fortress is Our God." Only he wasn't racing out of church or along the side altar rail to get to Martin Luther's God, the mighty fortress. James was beelining towards Grace Chmura, the head of our Parish Day School. And oh, I wish you could've seen their faces. His and hers. Both arms reaching towards each other.
It was, for me, a sermon without words. A sacred snapshot of God's grace reaching towards us. Watching. Waiting. Hoping. And we, run ragged by life, hoping against all odds for something undeserved. Maybe, some grace? Running. Hoping. And like Tim Keller reminds," God's reckless grace is our greatest hope."
And so I found myself smiling and tearing up. Observing their love for each other, reminded me that I'm to be grace to those I encounter. We're to be God's welcoming arms. Especially, in divisive times like these. Why? Well, hopefully, it will help nudge others towards the God of grace and mercy who welcomes, forgives, heals and loves us back to life. Real life.
So what keeps us from running towards God? Or towards each other?
Remember, grace reaches deep and wide.
And, grace, whether received or shared, is always amazing!
So, lets sing or listen to Amazing Grace.
Then, lets run towards grace.
And towards each other.
God's in it.
So, it'll preach.
9 Comments
Dear Jan,
Kathy and I loved to sit in that same place when we worshiped at Christ Church. Kathy dubbed it Snoopy's Doghouse. It was wonder-ful to be that close to the preachers and the altar and to be able to glance out at the motley crew of Christians that shared the reckless embrace of the grace of our Lord, especially those little ones who didn't knowing better than to accept the hugs of Jesus.
Reckless grace,
Dan
Always so good to hear from you, dear Dan and Kathy. It's a great place to sit to look out and across. "Snoopy's Doghouse"made me smile. For sure, it's never boring sitting among ones who aren't afraid to comment out loud. LIke last week when the organist put the pedal to the metal, so to speak,one little boy put his hands on his ears and yelled, "too loud!"
Dear Jan,
Kathy and I loved to sit in that same place when we worshiped at Christ Church. Kathy dubbed it Snoopy's Doghouse. It was wonder-ful to be that close to the preachers and the altar and to be able to glance out at the motley crew of Christians that shared the reckless embrace of the grace of our Lord, especially those little ones who didn't knowing better than to accept the hugs of Jesus.
Reckless grace,
Dan
Well, Dan, since your reply to the post came through twice, it warrants a confession Apparently, every now and then I share some story or incident with the family and they'll respond tactlessly with,"Mom, you told us that before." Then I act like it was intentional and respond, "Well, some things bear repeating." As did your response to this blog..
Dear Jan,
We saw one young boy occasionally going up to watch the organist's hands as he played with his mother watching him closely. What a view it was, praise be to God! That child heard and had ears to hear that too many of us have lost.
Dear Jan,
We saw one young boy occasionally going up to watch the organist's hands as he played, his mother watching him closely. What a view it was, praise be to God! That child heard and had ears to hear what too many of us have lost.
So true. We have a couple of children who do that, as well. One young girl comes in her grandmother's arms. Listens. Both transfixed in wonder.
Oh Jan, this is just such a wonderful post, reflection and inspiration! And what a honor that James is featured in it! Thank you for taking a moment to truly see the joy and lessons our little ones can teach us. I feel as a parent in the thick of the little years, I can easily lose sight of that! But you’re so right. Let us run to grace, run into our faith with eyes, hearts and minds wide open, just like our children do! They are our true teachers. Thank you so much for always reminding us of that, for loving our children (and all of us at Christ Church!) the way you do. You are a treasure!
Well, it is pure delight for me to sit among the families on Sundays at Christ Church. It's holy hubbub. And I love getting to write about it now and then in a blog. Thank you for doing all that's required to get everyone up, fed, dressed and out the door for Sunday School and church. No small challenge. I remember it well. Your and your family are part of the treasure trove of God'sgifts at Christ Church.