An Anniversary of Joy

Norfolk Botanical Garden.  Copyright 2012: singeronthesand

Consider it a sheer gift, friend, when tests and

challenges come at you from all sides.

James 1:2

            When Christian believers gather in churches, everything that can go wrong sooner or later does.  Outsiders, on observing this, conclude that there is nothing to the religion business except, perhaps, business—and dishonest business at that.  Insiders see it differently.  Just as a hospital collects the sick under one roof and labels them as such, the church collects sinners.  So Christian churches are not, as a rule, model communities of good behavior.  ~ Introduction to the book of James [The Message]

On Monday of this last week, January 16, I passed a milestone in my life.  That day was the 10^th anniversary of the starting date of my employment at Beulah United Methodist Church.  It hardly seems possible that I have lived in Richmond, and worked at Beulah, for ten years.  I wish that I could proclaim that the entire time has been a walk in the park, but that would not be the truth.  Wherever human beings gather – church or no church – there will be strife, lies, petty gossip, unkindness, distrust and malice.

Conversely, wherever human beings gather, there is also joy, laughter, kindness, compassion, and support.  These last ten years of my life have been pretty rough at times, including a husband’s adultery and divorce.  Through thick and thin, someone at Beulah has been there for me at every step of the way.  As I painfully transitioned from married to single life, there were members of the congregation who provided a shoulder to cry on, a strong back when a task was too much for me, the support of friendship and understanding, a co-conspirator to enable me to be “…wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove,” many “someones” to listen and talk things out, and a safe environment in which to heal and grow.  There are many people at Beulah to whom I owe a debt of support that I can never repay, although I give back to the congregation what, when and where I can. 

No, the church is not perfect.  Yes, there are some really rotten apples in the barrel.  Yes, there are individuals who will leave a sour taste in your mouth, but you will also find such people at the bank, the gym, the office, and the grocery store.  A church is about the message of Christ – sinners receiving forgiveness, wrapped in the unconditional love of their heavenly Father.  Over time, that message will make a difference in every single life.  It certainly has in mine.