Sunday morning around 7 am I decided to double check our church’s parking lot and walkways to make sure they were clear of any snow or ice. I wasn’t concerned as Paul had plowed earlier in the week and I had done a little shoveling and put some salt down on Saturday.
On my very first step out the door my foot slid out from under me. I’m fortunate I caught my balance and didn’t pull anything. I looked up to see the parking lot lights shimmering off the icy pavement. I tried walking across the lot and shuffled every step of the way. It was even icy under the covered portico at our front entrance. I went back home and checked the weather and road conditions and found no alerts posted. I asked Cathy to let people know the roads would be icy.
I knew we didn’t have enough salt left to do the walks and the parking lot so I told Cathy I was going to Plymouth to get some. I was surprised at how bad our country roads were. I have recently driven back and forth to Indianapolis in winter storms and this short trip to Plymouth was worse than both those trips. Every time I braked, I slid. Every time I pushed the gas, I saw this warning light.
On my very first step out the door my foot slid out from under me. I’m fortunate I caught my balance and didn’t pull anything. I looked up to see the parking lot lights shimmering off the icy pavement. I tried walking across the lot and shuffled every step of the way. It was even icy under the covered portico at our front entrance. I went back home and checked the weather and road conditions and found no alerts posted. I asked Cathy to let people know the roads would be icy.
I knew we didn’t have enough salt left to do the walks and the parking lot so I told Cathy I was going to Plymouth to get some. I was surprised at how bad our country roads were. I have recently driven back and forth to Indianapolis in winter storms and this short trip to Plymouth was worse than both those trips. Every time I braked, I slid. Every time I pushed the gas, I saw this warning light.
The whole time sliding over and back from Walmart I wondered if we shouldn’t cancel the service. While I don’t worry as much as I used to, I still overthink everything! The following are just a few of the thoughts I had on the trip.
I know we’ll have people who want to come to church, whatever the weather. Will they be careful? I believe in letting people make their own choices, but the roads are worse than I expected. On the other hand, what if no one comes? Cathy puts in so much work for a service. Let’s just save this week’s work and do it next week when more people can make it. It’s taking too long to get back. Will I have enough time to get the salt down and let it work? I promised Cathy I would help her before the service with a tech issue. How will I manage to do that? How can I be inside the church and help people in the parking lot? I haven’t showered or shaved and I’m the pastor!
When I finally got back to the church, faithful Clarence and Paul were both there ready to help salt. Everyone who showed up was careful.
Not everyone could make it to worship that Sunday. I am confident those who stayed home made a wise choice. We really didn’t want anyone to get hurt or have an accident. But it was a great time of worship for those who could make it. We even had some new people, so I am very glad we didn’t cancel! People moved up a few pews, so the church actually felt more full than normal. Cathy gave the sermon, but as a preacher I know having people closer to you and interacting with you is so encouraging when you give a message.
O me of little faith!
First I wasn’t sure we were even going to have a worship service Sunday. Then I wasn’t sure it would go well if we did. How many times I have fretted and worried about things that turn our alright! Sunday was just another reminder that I need to learn to have more faith. It doesn’t mean I shouldn’t do what I can do, but after that, I need to have faith in God and let things go.
I know we’ll have people who want to come to church, whatever the weather. Will they be careful? I believe in letting people make their own choices, but the roads are worse than I expected. On the other hand, what if no one comes? Cathy puts in so much work for a service. Let’s just save this week’s work and do it next week when more people can make it. It’s taking too long to get back. Will I have enough time to get the salt down and let it work? I promised Cathy I would help her before the service with a tech issue. How will I manage to do that? How can I be inside the church and help people in the parking lot? I haven’t showered or shaved and I’m the pastor!
When I finally got back to the church, faithful Clarence and Paul were both there ready to help salt. Everyone who showed up was careful.
Not everyone could make it to worship that Sunday. I am confident those who stayed home made a wise choice. We really didn’t want anyone to get hurt or have an accident. But it was a great time of worship for those who could make it. We even had some new people, so I am very glad we didn’t cancel! People moved up a few pews, so the church actually felt more full than normal. Cathy gave the sermon, but as a preacher I know having people closer to you and interacting with you is so encouraging when you give a message.
O me of little faith!
First I wasn’t sure we were even going to have a worship service Sunday. Then I wasn’t sure it would go well if we did. How many times I have fretted and worried about things that turn our alright! Sunday was just another reminder that I need to learn to have more faith. It doesn’t mean I shouldn’t do what I can do, but after that, I need to have faith in God and let things go.
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