Tuesday Mornings

One of the high points of my week is Tuesday morning.  It’s when I set aside time to go through the response cards from our Sunday services in Elkhart.  These cards help me in such a big, personal way.  Though them, I get glimpses.  Glimpses into where people are celebrating.  Where they’re hurting.  Where prayer is needed. Where steps are being taken.  Where people are searching for answers, for hope. Where people are experiencing life with God.

And I become more aware of how to serve people better.

Here are just a few responses from this past Sunday:

• Life with God is new everyday. I have moments of wonder and moments of wander.  But I trust Him.
• I love this church.  I am growing/renewed.
• God is always there for me – like an ocean’s roar.  Although sometimes the tide is in…and sometimes it’s out.
• God is my rock, but my growing and serving are stagnant.
• My son is going to Iraq in January.  I need faith that he will be in God’s hands.
• Pray for me to find moments of peace with God in the midst of nonstop responsibilities.
• My first visit here.  Nicely done!
• Pray for me to keep the faith through all my troubles.
• I want God near to me, I want to feel him in my every moment of life.  I’m hungry for Him.
• Great service.  I am so blessed to be a part of God’s Kingdom in Elkhart.
• Pray for me – I’m struggling to be closer to God.
• Wondering why I can’t seem to find Him again.
• I have had my eyes closed so tightly for so long that I can’t seem to be able to open them any more.  I struggle to know how to even pray.

These are not just simple, passing words.  These are words from the heart.  These are words from people who have carved out space and time on a Sunday morning, looking for an encounter with God.  People who sing, who listen, who watch, who read.  People who respond.

Thank you for the gift of your words, Elkhart.  My heart always grows larger as a result of them.

This morning, as I do every Tuesday morning, I read your words.  I celebrated with you.  I hurt with you.  I prayed with you.  I prayed for you.

Numbers 6:24-26 – “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”