Emmaus Bound (and I didn't know it)

I was up and at 'em this morning at work on a sermon, but after a few hours I needed a break.  I decided to take a walk to the church, but as a devotee of multitasking I couldn't let this be a mere walk.  Let's make this walk productive! I can pick up a commentary, listen to a ministry podcast, and maybe burn a calorie or two.  Win, win, win!

I did not bat 1000 on this sojourn.  The podcast was okay but nothing to write home about and I ended up forgetting my office key at home.  Boo!  I waved goodbye to my Anchor Bible Dictionary through the window and turned around. 

That's when I ran in to one of our church members, Clarence.

Clarence was on a walk like me, but unlike me Clarence was actually on a walk.  He was unhurried and smiling.  His arms carried tools and supplies.  Seeing Clarence brightened my day.  Together we walked and talked most of the way to the parsonage.  

Yesterday I preached on the Emmaus story, and it occurs to me now that my trek-to-get-100-things-accomplished transformed (thanks be to God!) into an Emmaus walk with a fellow disciple.  

Sometimes I miss the forest for the trees in my quest to serve.  I'm grateful God is gracious to me anyway.  Thank you God for today's grace.

Musical Pews

After a meaningful Holy Week, we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus on Sunday.  What a joyous day!  The good news was palpable.

Since my brother and sister-in-law were visiting, I was excited about the prospect of sitting with family during worship.  One of my favorite things about vacation is going to church and sitting with my family.

Most of us like sitting with our families during worship and perhaps especially so on holidays.  Oftentimes family is visiting, we're gussied up in our Easter best, and we're looking forward to fun (egg hunting! ham!) with those we love. 

Our pews filled up quickly on Sunday so it eventually became difficult to find a place to sit.  During the welcome I saw someone searching for a place to sit, but thankfully she didn't have to look for long because one of our couples hopped right out of their pew to make room.  It happened so fast I might as well call it a reflex. 

This couple's race to give up their pew reminded me of the women at the tomb racing to tell the good news.  This couple, like the women, proclaimed the gospel with their feet.  They gave up their pew AND the opportunity to sit together (the wife sat with the visitor and the husband found a seat elsewhere).

What a gift to witness this unselfish act. 

And while it may seem like a little thing, I've found "little" things rarely are little.  They almost always point to a life of faithfulness in many "little" and big ways.