The Work We Don’t See
At last week’s staff meeting, we talked about a topic that I had been avoiding: the two lights above the choir loft, high in the ceiling, that had burned out. I did not like the idea of someone having to climb a high scaffolding to change those bulbs, but my fears were somewhat eased when I found out we could change them through the attic and not on a ladder. Still, that was a long way up for someone to climb up and then crawl across to get to the bulbs.
Paul Fowler, who came on the staff as building superintendent in January, was the “someone” who changed those bulbs last week. When we arrived for worship on Sunday morning, the light was greater and brighter. We did not see Paul’s work of crawling across the attic and changing the lights, but we saw the fruit of his work.
Over the past few months, your church staff has faithfully worked in ways you couldn’t see to continue bringing the comfort and connectedness of the church to you. They’ve rehearsed music for Wednesdays and Sundays, taken crash courses in ZOOM, mailed curriculum, answered numerous phone calls, adapted to using new, potent cleaning solutions, among other tasks. They have lived out Jesus’ command of humility, “to not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:3-4).
What quiet work that others may not see is God calling you to do this week?
I encourage you to take a moment to thank Paul, Ron, Julie, Gail, Kyle, Rachel, Polly, and Jace for the literal and spiritual light bulbs they’ve been changing and the attic spaces they’ve been navigating for the good of our church. And let us keep our eyes open to others we might thank for their unseen work. Behind every new light bulb is a faithful witness to the light of Christ.
all good things to each of you,
Dr. Darian
* We will resume in-person worship for 50 people this Sunday, July 5. Details on the reservation process are in this newsletter and on the congregational address video, which is on You Tube and Facebook.*