God reveals Himself and speaks to us in so many amazing ways. As I was driving to the church Tuesday afternoon, I was amazed at how much farmland there is here. Everything is so green and some fields have a tall golden grass and I couldn't help but think of Matthew 9:37-38. "Then he said to the disciples 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into the harvest field.'" I had a few little butterflies in my stomachs but after remembering these verses, they died. When arriving at the church, I had no idea and I STILL have no idea what this summer is going to entail, but I DO know this is where I need to be. I have been blessed with a wonderful host family, a beautiful location, and an amazing staff that is excited to utilize me in every area this summer from children's and youth ministry to music to outreach!
The next day as I was driving to the church The Garden by Needtobreathe came on my iPod. If you don't know the song the chorus is this:
"Let the songs I sing, bring joy to you. Let the words I say, profess my love. Let the notes I choose, be Your favorite tune. Father, let my heart be after You."
It reminded me that everything I did that day and the next and the next was all for Him. What a wonderful reminder to start the day with!
Wednesday night was my first church service at Southside. Before the service, I was lucky enough to meet with the Children's committee and see what they were planning for the summer and give some input after the associate pastor and I swiftly headed to the youth building. During the youth meeting, I was able to lead worship for the group and introduce them to a new song (God of This City) that will be our theme song for the summer. The youth group here is an exciting group that are very active. Most all of them like to talk and like to hang out with each other.
After the service, the associate pastor's sweet little 6 year-old went around and introduced me to some families. She went around pulling me by the hand asking everyone in her sweet little voice "Have you met Lydia?" After she had introduced me to many of the people that were still hanging around the church, I let her go play. For a little while, I watched as some of the guys played basketball while some little ones ran around them as they played. I noticed one guy leaned down and talk to one of the kids in the middle of the game; I noticed another one pick up a little boy and tickle him and make him burst into laughter. Then something came to me: Why was I so nervous about coming here this summer? We're all apart of God's family. This was just another part of God's family that I was getting to join for the summer. Seeing the adults smile and talk and joke with each other and watching the youth play and chase the children made me feel at home. I felt my shoulders relax as I took a deep breath and I couldn't help but smile.
If we're all a part of God's family, why does it matter if we're in Norris, South Carolina or Rocky Mount, North Carolina? I started thinking, why aren't all churches welcoming to newcomers? Do we even think about the baggage people could be carrying or where they come from when they walk through our doors? What if they've never had anyone look them in the eye and genuinely say "I'm happy you're here tonight."? Let's wake up church and realize that not everyone has seen and felt the love of God like we have. And also, let's realize that there are other churches just like us with the same goal we have. We are ALL here for HIS glory and not our own! Next time you pass by another church, why not pray for how God is using THAT church for His kingdom. And next time you see that guy slip in the back row or that woman you've never seen in your Sunday school class, maybe you should say hello. You never know what God could do with one little hello.
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