What a day. So hard to describe, yet it left me with such a comforting and peaceful feeling. All revolves around this morning at church. I knew I wanted to be there and of course the reasons were mostly selfish. I wanted to reclaim some normalcy and I figured by going to church I would. I knew a ton of questions awaited me, but I also knew I would be surrounded by well wishes, love and the support I am beginning to depend on more and more ( insert The Lone Ranger is Dead here… yes, I was listening).
Today was Communion Sunday which means my Sunday School Class, 3rd-5th graders; sit together as a class for worship. Some might call it torture, but I have accepted the fact they are kids and don’t worry as much as I used to about them misbehaving (they don’t for the most part) and I enjoy my time with them. (However, I am not stupid; I have a bunch of good Christian word searches, mazes, etc to keep them occupied). Today was also the Sunday in which the new Elders were ordained and/or installed and I wanted to be there for that as well.
As expected, I had quite a few people come to me before the service—all good and all well meaning, even if a few had problems with knowing their right from their left. Heck, I grew up with Billy and he always had (and I am sure still has) those issues. (Have no fear, when you go into surgery they ask you a million times—you are here for what and when the last time was you had something to drink or eat. So the odds of taking out a kidney instead of a gall bladder are relatively slim). The girls ended up sitting with me as the boys were ushering (another smart move on my part—yay me!) I choked up a few times, but nothing major. Then we had the laying of the hands. That is when all ordained Elders, Deacons, etc are invited to come to the front while a prayer is said for the new Elders. I went up and I knew without a doubt I was exactly where God wanted me to be. I had the most peaceful feeling standing up there – it was rather awesome. And to add to it, after the service, Josie (one of my 5th graders) gave me a card from the class—she made it and had them sign it (okay—she had the girls sign it... I can’t seem to find the boys names anywhere!). I have it right where I can see it.
My pray and hope is I can show my class (and possibly others) that although things happen in life in which we have no control, all we have to do is hand it over to God and he will take care of the rest. Much easier said than done, but I’m working on it. One day at a time…
You are a wise woman, Liza!
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Liza. I am so proud of you.
ReplyDeleteOh,Liza, you are such an inspiration to me!!! You did take me back to those cherub choir days of sitting with all of you cherubs!!! Pray for you everyday...keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteArlene
You're journey reminds me everyday of how I want to live my life, in good times and in difficult times...
ReplyDeleteWell said. You are showing many. Blessings and prayers for you, my friend.
ReplyDeleteRaquel,
ReplyDeleteGreat choice! Keep smiling-your an inspiration to us all!!
Mike-South Jersey
"Laying on of hands" - a tradition evidenced in both the Old and New Testaments. I still remember the experience of becoming an elder and the laying on of hands. It was a powerful moment in my life. There's just something about touch - something that can trump words any day....especially, if with the touch there is a deep sense that the person is "present" to you, your pain, and your joy. I feel so blessed to be a part of the Sneads Ferry Presbyterian Church - to know and be loved by those members. You are in good hands, Liza - God's hands; and, you are a member of one of the most incredible praying people I've ever known.
ReplyDeleteIn moments of difficulty, and you will have them, I always remember my Granny's words - "this too shall pass." I say those words often. I love you, Elaine