Blessed to be Broken

This story originated August 14, 2022. Since this was written, the church mentioned within, permanently closed its doors. Everything has its season and nothing this side of heaven lasts forever. I often post on my Facebook page but neglected to share here. I guess maybe now is the better day for that. Thanks for being here. I hope you know how much you’re being here on planet earth is both vital and necessary. You are loved! Ok. I’ll stop yapping and I hope you enjoy my past adventure.

Today I went to visit a church to support a friend who was leading worship. It was a good 40 minute drive. The Lord took me through many hills, valleys and windy roads to get there. By the way that’s windy roads, like a wind-up toy, not like wind in your hair. Our language is so weird sometimes. I digress, back to the story.

At one point, I looked at the road my gps said to take and I was like, “I don’t think so, Tim”. If you’re a fan of the show Home Improvement you’ll totally get that quote. The road looked to be straight up and not a well traveled path. It would’ve been way easier to ”recalculate” myself. But, I dug in, and went for it.

I saw the road was cresting and I slowed a tad to see what I could see before I plunged ahead. I literally thought I was going to plunge straight down. Color me relieved when it wasn’t as bad as I thought.

Isn’t that the way I follow God some days? I check what’s over the hill to see what I can see before stepping out. There’s some good faith right there! HA!

I was ever so thankful to reach my destination. The church was not what I thought it would be. It was simple. The parking lot wasn’t paved. There was no welcome crew outside. No one was standing at the door to greet me. You entered through the back door. No one directed me to a “Welcome Center” or reminded me to stop and get my gift for showing up. Afterall, truth be told, the gift is Jesus. What’s better than that?

Prior to going in the building, I sat in my car contemplating how to get in and another car pulled up and parked. Yes! I’ll just follow them inside. They gave me the short lay of the land and introduced themselves. Most everything was in one room. No fancy stage. No big screens. No ear plugs. A piano took up most of the worship space. The AC blew its cool air from the window. No central AC. Ceiling fans gently whirred overhead. A slight musty smell reminded me I was in an area that knew humidity.

Home made baked goods and some fruit were on the counter. Coffee and water were supplied. A simple wall hanging read “Love One Another.” Twinkly lights were plugged in and the drum was a beat box.

I thought to myself, how did church get so far away from the basics? I felt uncomfortable in this simple setting. Everyone could see everyone. My friend led us in worship. We read the lyrics from 2 small tv like screens. Nothing fancy. Afterall, we came to worship Jesus, right? The message was about letting your Jericho walls down. It was delivered by a young man who’s got quite the story. He didn’t use any big props. It was just him, the mic, the Bible, and his phone to check his notes. He didn’t yell, he didn’t pound his fist or stomp his feet.

I dunno. Maybe he knew the message of what God has done was enough.

Is it possible amongst all the glitz, glamor, and freebies, we actually miss the one gift we truly need?

In this simple church, I was reminded I don’t need the show, I need the One! It’s easy to get lost in the show and theatrics of church. We’re people who buy and pay for the bigger, better, faster, and flashier shows to bring the people. Let’s give them what they want, not necessarily what they need. Who wants to go to a simple church, when you can go and be entertained?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not knocking the church. I’m just looking at it from a different perspective. In your church, is there room for the Holy Spirit to interrupt your polished, timed service? Is it so honed, people rely on quickly getting in and out so they can say they gave the Lord their due? Is the messiness of life evident or is perfection plastered on?

These are questions I’m asking myself, because truth be told, I like the show, I like to be entertained.

I’ll close with this. Today I was reminded what simple looks and feels like. It was soul beautiful. Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but be careful what beauty you’re actually beholden.

Have a blessed day my friends. Jesus loves you! ❤️