A Long, Yellow Curb

Every morning, I drop my little girl off for daycare. In the parking lot, there is a long, yellow curb nearly 75 feet in length. It’s her balance beam. She grabs my hand, and insists to walk the beam from start to finish. With total concentration, and with unlimited wonder, my little acrobat performs her daily ritual. And for a moment, our world slows down. It’s just me and her. The emails, and phone calls, and her breakfast can wait. This is important. She’s connecting with the world around her, and she’s like a sponge soaking it all in. And it’s funny, even though I’ve only been a Daddy for a short while, it’s hard for me to imagine life before this routine. It’s part of me.

The liturgical rhythms of our life are the same way (if we’re doing them right, I think!). This past Sunday, we shared the bread and cup. And we heard the words, “You are always welcome at Christ’s table.” Our choir sang an anthem (this week, a new take on Amazing Grace), We spoke our joys aloud, and our sorrows, too. We petitioned God to be present (not that She’s ever not!) — maybe I should say noticeable to our distracted eyes. And She was!!! We greeted one another, and embraced one another, and welcomed friends, new and old. And we heard babies laughing and crying, and playing. And there were hot doughnuts from Krispy Kreme (Thanks, J-Swizz!). We sang hymns, some familiar, some less. We gave of our time, talents, and tithes. And maybe even some of the rigid exterior we keep strong for the outside world. And in the realization of God’s presences, and our connectedness, we passed Christ’s peace.

I’ve only been your pastor for a little longer than I’ve been a Daddy, but it’s also hard for me to imagine a time before Sardis. The rhythms and people of this place are part of me, and I hope part of you!!! And before I did anything else today, I just wanted to walk my long, yellow curb and tell you so. In this season of expectancy, I hope you’ll take time to notice the special rhythms and people in your life. And offer God thanks for the things that are fused in us. Amen.