Late last year I had the opportunity to contribute to the Wesleyan Multi-Ethic Task Force. We learned, dreamed, studied, discussed, had fellowship, and prayed. I do not feel at liberty to share all the details of that meeting, as much of the work remains in the seedbed, but I will share about a time of prayer.
Jim Dunn sent us all out of a meeting time to “go find a place to pray.” I wandered the grounds, and arrived at a small broken footbridge. There I asked for forgiveness for divisions and disunity we have in the Church, in our nation, and world with regard to racial/ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic issues.
Upon completing my prayer of repentance, I looked up and saw another bridge. Much stronger and larger than the footbridge I had been standing on, this bridge could support a road for cars and pedestrians. It bridged the same creek as the footbridge, but much more work could be accomplished by the use of the road bridge.
I walked to the road bridge, and there I prayed that the work the Multi-Ethnic Task Force would start would become something useful and strong. Opening my eyes from my prayer, I took a closer look at the road bridge, and found it needed some work. Although it had some decorative features, other than the roadway, it had not been maintained. It had areas of cracked concrete where weeds grew through, and it had not be cleaned of debris. The road bridge was functional, but not majestic.
From there, I walked up the road, and found a third bridge, a unique bridge. This bridge again crossed the same creek, but with curves and intersections that maintained functionality of getting people from point A to points B, C, or D, while also providing a view to remember and opportunities to cross paths. Made of a natural material, wood, it fit its surroundings, and life surrounded the bridge. More than just a bridge, this was art for community building. At that place I prayed that the Church, especially The Wesleyan Church, would become God’s masterpiece, a place where people coming from all directions and walking diverse paths would meet around the tree of life.
Paul,
As you once mentioned in a sermon, houses have a way of keeping you going out to repair or adjust or simply maintain beauty for the sake of the neighborhood. Thank the Lord there is a teenager willing to assist.
I want to share that I dropped off coffee one Monday because I couldn’t make the sermons. I benefit much from the chance to meet other Rivards, other Oakdale residents, and a whole mix of people at church.
Is it a blessing that the teenager walked over to the church last fall? Yes. He passed his online school courses and has been growing stronger in challenges with drug use. I am much more of a mother. He has a job. We cannot know how long he has the job.
I want to make a difference. Perhaps there is a picnic that is coming up where I could help serve. I will donate portion-sized paper plates (www.choosemyplate.gov) since any way to build healthy balance is a win for me and others whom I serve with knowledge. ‘Looking forward to attending and hearing more of your orations. The online sermons sound like you; and this gives me joy. I do the work often of two people and possibly a third with joy. I sleep soundly. I am planning to run in a 5k to build a bridge toward more vigorous activity and health at 47 years old.
The bridges you posted are beautiful and there is much to be mindful of during a time of growth and future planning. I would love to be reminded how we might pray for the things God can arrange when we do not have time to be that bread and butter income-winner and how to plan more.
Once again, the online stories are wonderful.
Thank you for the comment Kate. We’d love to have you walk with us in the Summerfest Parade.
Paul it was a blessig to read and see your spiritual growth,
May God continue to bless you and your family through the power of his Hoy spirit, in the days and ears to come.