7and8

The church were we lived is pretty technically savvy. One of the coolest things they do is e-Devotions sent every morning by someone in the congregation. Here is how today's read:

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Daily Devotions Monday June 20, 2005

This week's devotions are written by Amy Peters, the Vacation Bible School Coordinator:
Matthew 19:14

but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs."

VBS begins once again at Zion this morning. Church will be teeming with hundreds of small kids, harried adults, and lots and lots of noise. After six months of prep and a week of total chaos several of our key team members are TIRED. I personally find that my faith and spirit are most tapped just before the storm - typically the day right before we start, I find myself EXHAUSTED!

I have to remember to wait patiently for the miracle to arrive each year. I have yet to experience a year of VBS without some minor miracle occurring; something that turns my head, which is so filled with noise & stress. Back to the point. The point is that God is with us, in us, and whenever two or more of us gather in HIS name miracles occur.

My miracle arrived early this year. As I sat quietly at the computer checking for last minute messages and panics a voice from the past reached out with a hug. Gerard Brown, a source of so much joy & energy last year, had to tell us mid-spring he couldn't help this summer. He & his family were moving to Boston, a new job and adventure were calling. We were really sad.

This morning, Gerard just wanted to wish us luck. He said he'd be praying for us, and he hoped we had a good week. He also hoped wistfully that his son Noah's week at VBS in the Boston area would be half as good as it would've been at Zion.

While I reread the e-mail and think how much fun it would be to have Gerard here, I have a secret hope for a congregation in the Boston area. That perhaps the TRUE meaning of discipleship will prosper in Gerard's heart. That he will be called to enrich their VBS the way he enriched ours. And . . . that I remember (as Gerard did) that the expression of hope and encouragement are the finest form of love and prayers. Even if we "gather in his name" via e-mail. Wish us luck with VBS this week - pray for good weather, not too much heat, and infinite patience! "

I don't upt this here to tout my own attributes but for the glory of God. You never know how a simple note will affect someone. I almost didn't send this note but I was stunned that Amy counts it among miracles. This Devotion humbles me and is posted to remind me that every little bit counts.