Grace

I move through my days like God does not exist, and for all I know, He doesn't. But then something works out, or I'm surprised by something, or I experience a moment of grace. And then I think about Him.

I'm trying to put together the VBS drama. At PCNP in New Jersey, I was just one of the people that Gina gathered together to coordinate schedules and plan costumes and rehearse. Now I'm the organizer.

It's been hard finding actresses. I've asked a lot of people that I wouldn't otherwise have talked to. Most have graciously said no, but I'm glad I had something to talk to them about. It's helped me to inch my way into the community. Still have a lot of inching to do. But still.

Allison S, the children's minister, has been helpful and thankful for my willingness, but so far she hasn't appeared to get it. She wrote a message in the bulletin, looking for "dramatic people" to participate in the skit. I knew that no one would come forward, the way she didn't sell it. And no one did.

Until one did. An older woman named Debbie told Allison that she'd like to do it. Allison pointed her out to me. I smiled and said, "Great!" but on the inside I was rolling my eyes. Was it so hard to find some younger women, women with children in VBS, to join the drama team?

Last night, I introduced myself to Debbie. And it was a moment of grace. She is old, yes. But she's naturally funny. She wants to be in the skit, but she also doesn't. And her eyes widened at the thought of performing for anyone other than children, which I relate to. (On Sunday we have to do it for the whole congregation.) I really like her. She is reluctant, but I think she'll do it. And I'm glad.

Lord, I desperately need You. Luckily You are working behind the scenes whether I regard you or not. The VBS drama is a silly little thing without much consequence. But it's still relevant, because it (a) is about You and (b) sets the tone for the whole VBS, and a strong VBS will help to raise Eastminster's profile. The drama is Yours. I imagine You will use my neurotic planning and fear of failure to accomplish Your aims.


I pray for the VBS drama, that You would assemble us together and guide us in our imperfect-but-best-we-can-do effort for You.


In Your son's name I pray.
Amen