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Messages of Hope
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A God of Surprises
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He entered the darkened church. The door was open so he assumed it was okay. The interior of the building took him by surprise. Expecting a dark and heavy atmosphere the softness of the wood and the beauty of the high ceiling drew his breath in sharply and for an instant his mood upward.
Taking his place in a pew as if joining a congregation of praise - yet still the only person in the church he began to pray. His heart was heavy with matters not disclosed other than a haunting feeling that he was disappointing himself and God. Needing direction he whispered his words of desperation. No-one heard or saw yet strangely there seemed a cloud of encouragement and yes, a quietening of his anxious spirit. He left the space feeling that perhaps there was a pathway opening up and yes, he needed to follow it.
Six years later, he entered the same church. This time the lights were on and the church was crowded - no silence met him but rather the celebrative sounds of people praising God. But yes, it was the same church with the same beauty. And perhaps the candles were lit especially for him. For this evening in a crowd of faithful seekers, as his name was called, he walked to the front of the church to receive an acknowledgement of his journey so far. A journey out of anxiety and confusion onto a road of ministry and possibility.
He reflected on the surprises of life. Unknown to him that the acknowledgement of his journey so far would be in the same church in which he started that gentle seeking and questioning of his future. How could anyone have known that, yet it seemed a fitting affirmation.
That church is Pilgrim. The young man found solace in the warmth of its sacred space 6 years ago when life was tumultuous - unknown to anyone but himself. Now, the first stage of his journey travelling full circle when last Sunday night during the Synod service of ministry celebration hosted by Pilgrim he received affirmation for his period of discernment and exploration.
This young man came up to me Sunday night and quietly gave thanks for the part Pilgrim has played in his life thus far.
Shalom,
Jenny
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