Reminder: Bring a disco ball to the party!

So - first a confession…I almost didn't go to church today.  I was going to go for Sunday School and scoot home after.  I was tired, had no other duties, and knew I'd be going to Sunday evening mass with the rest of the family.  But the truth is,  I just was not in a Palm Sunday mood and felt I'd be a drag.  

It's been a time when I find myself overwhelmed by the extreme trials of emotion and illness so many dear to me are experiencing.  Just this coming week alone I know several people who have to go through treatments that will leave them physically in quarantine.  Some unable to even be in the same room as their spouses and children for days.  And this, the holiest week of the year for Christians.  And yet, so many people made to be alone.

So, I had a heavy heart this morning - though I always try to have a happy face.  And then, God began to do his work…

• There was the church member who I saw go out of her way to welcome an obvious visitor who felt a bit uncomfortable - meeting a family member who had not yet arrived. My heart warmed at the reminder of how our church really does its best to welcome all in our midst - whether for a day or a "season".  We are not perfect, but we try.

• The 5 year old girl who admitted "she might be a little shy" when it was time to sing up front…though she has never been shy a day in her life.

• The parent who expressed gratitude for Sunday School and how much his child enjoys it.

• The boy who reminded us that we need to bring our disco balls if we are really going to have a fun party.

• The little girl who wanted to be by her brother's side and was an impromptu new member of the choir, and then continued to dance in the aisle for the remainder of the service.  Her mother worried about her being a distraction, but I saw the smiles she brought to all her watched her.

• The choir director who found a way to include a young boy in the morning's musical offering, even though he'd missed the practices...and the adult who sat next to him and helped him through the service…so that his parents could continue their service in the back hall way preparing the Easter food baskets that would be delivered to families in need.

The pastor got all "crazy" throwing palms around and making a mess.  He made us normally "composed" Presbyterians get all goofy waving our palms and making a joyful noise.  He also talked about next Saturday - that day when we are not sure what to feel.  I thought that maybe those folks who are suffering so much now probably feel like every day is Saturday.  It seems so dark with no hope.  I am comforted that many of the people suffering are faithful Christians, and I pray they will hold onto to hope of Easter like never before.  And I pray even harder for those who don't yet realize that this hope IS there, and that they realize, as my pastor said (slightly paraphrased), "God doesn't leave you at Saturday." 

Sunday IS coming.  Thanks be to God!