Sacred Memory Series: Choices
Grace Andrews of Independence, MO, USA
“…where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” -Matthew 18:20
I planned to attend church that day. It was not only my long-standing habit, but I was very much aware that if I did not go, I would miss the spoken word, the music, the scripture texts that uplift my soul, and the people. I wasn’t ill; the car was working fine; the weather was absolutely beautiful. There was no excuse for me not to worship with the congregation I so loved. And yet, I had a choice to make. Our grandson and his new wife had driven over 800 miles to spend a few days with us. This would be their final day before returning home. The corporate church setting was not a part of their lifestyle. Should we ask them to come with us and put them in an awkward position as they fished for excuses? Should we leave them home while we attended or suggest we do something later together?
After praying about it and talking it over quietly the night before, we reached a decision. But before we could announce our intentions, they asked, “Are you going to church tomorrow?” We responded, “No, we’ve decided to spend the day with you.” Looks of sheer relief and big smiles instantly appeared. It would prove to be a wise decision.
Nothing particularly spectacular occurred the following day. We ate together, played a game, shared testimonies, and went to a museum of interest. We renewed our love for our grandson and got to know and love our new granddaughter. The miles between us are difficult as it is rare that we are able to share with the family’s day-to-day joys and problems. That day we tightened a strong bond between us.
Yes, we missed church. That service will likely never be exactly repeated. Nevertheless, we felt the ministry of the Spirit throughout the day as we conversed together. Others may have handled this situation differently, but for us it was a special day with these two who had driven a great distance just to be with us. Now, they have returned home to their work and their lives as we pick up our lives and our devotion to the church we love. We treasure that special day in memory and hopefully they will look back on it with love for our sacrificing church for them. We pray the moments we shared in testimony will forever be strengthened by the power of God’s Spirit. We hold these precious grandchildren gently in our hearts, and Jesus holds them, not only in His heart, but in His loving arms as he reminds: “…of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.” Our mission is to nurture where we can for as long as we can. There’s a time for planting seed and there’s a time for watering. When we have done all that we can do, the Lord harvests the increase. We pray that it might continue to be so in these young lives.
Prayer Phrase
“Remember the long way that the Lord your God has led you…” (Deuteronomy 8:2).
Spiritual Practice
Sacred Memory
Spend time journaling or reflecting on significant memories that have shaped your life. Allow the following questions to guide you: What memories from your life impact how you encounter and respond to the world around you today? When has sacred memory in you become a path into the future?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
