Hannah, a 20 something, told us about her life in the church. She grew up here. She was baptized, confirmed, and possibly will be married there. It is a home. It is a place of worship and praise through acting, singing, and dance. She is helping lead our youth group fellowship now. She is speaking her testimony. She is a woman of God. She is a light to all.
She shared that God’s plan for her to participate in our church included participation in many ministries. This is so very true and so cool. She also spent time on the home front in ministry to her mother, father, brother, and niece. She is a delightful young woman and saw God’s plan in looking back on a missed entrance into a university as a gift of time at home with her father who would die a few years after. She studied at the community college and was with her family during his years of medical struggles. She loved him well, and he loved her.
Our heavenly Father is so similar. He wants time with us at “home.” He wants to spend time with us. He wants us to bow at his feet. He wants us to read His Word. I was able to do a small dip into the history of the Bible this morning from my home office. I am starting to read a Chronological Bible that I purchased last month. It is thick, but it is GOOD! I’m excited to try to peer into the Bible days through the order that they occurred. The writers who wrote the text, and the patterns of God’s grace that are threaded through. A book from Our Father to us.
Hannah also shared a few “back pocket” sayings that she holds close…
“Everything happens for a reason.”
“God’s got a plan.”
“Let go and Let God.”
In her doubts of God’s plan she now looks upon the unfolding with peace. She accepts the death of her Father, and she knows Whom she serves. She is a light. She is a model of what we can be. She inspires me to pray about my own ministries within our parish. I hope that in seeking the Father, I will find my own path. I have been confirmed at this church now. I am an official Episcopalian. Along with my husband and sons we are grafted into this church. We are now to be branches from the Vine. I hope we all find a way to love others through the callings that are placed in front of us and call upon our hearts.
What is God calling you to do in your church? Or, if you don’t attend church, could you consider still falling at God’s feet to find your path? Maybe he will lead you to a church family. Find your people. Find HIM!
Jennifer K Cook 