Friday, October 6th was one of my first “official” special elder’s meetings with David, Brian and Roger. The plan was to meet together at 3:00, lay out some ideas and discussion, and then eventually after we had talked up an appetite, retire to Red Robin (yummm) for some grub. There was one small bump in the plan however, as all that morning and during the previous evening, the lands were blessed with rain. So much so, that the bounty of rain not only wanted to shower our outside grounds with moisture, but it also wanted to share the blessing and cover the inside too; with pools of water in the church basement. First on scene of course was Glenn, who constantly serves this church with tenacity (shout out to you Glenn) armed with a shop-vac, and fully prepped for war. Following that, was Brian armed with a mop. Then David arrived, slightly wounded from a battle with a car, but without even asking, he grabbed another mop and went to town. Then Roger appeared with a cart to start hauling away the soaked and wounded rugs to let them dry. The five of us at the church won a great victory that day, and rain thought twice before entering our basement again.
In my opinion, there couldn’t have been a better way to start an elder’s meeting. Even though we had “official” business to do, these men grabbed mops, and helped take care of one of the most basic needs of this church. It may not seem like that big of a deal, but for all of the things that could have happened or the ways in which it could have been dealt with, starting with no questions or frustration but a very simple act of service was the right foot.
With that in mind, I pray we are a people ready to pick up a mop; not only for the church, but for one another. There are plenty of spills, messes, accidents, mistakes, pains, that very well may spill over from the things that we try to keep private or keep in their “proper place” outside of church, but in all reality, a mop-armed church is the perfect place to let that stuff go. A church is where spills and messes happen, because we are a spill-y and messy people. But when all are willing to help, pray, support, encourage, and clean, then we will finally be like the one that we recognize as our Savior. Who in the best way, despite the things that could have happened or the ways in which it could have been dealt with, wrapped a towel around his waist, stooped down, and washed feet. May we be willing to do the same, and get ourselves some good mops.
After that work is done and our floors are finally clean, just imagine the feast that will be waiting for us…unimaginably beyond Red Robin (yummm.)
Caleb Smith | Pulpit Minister
