SOMETIMES YOU SEE WHERE YOU WERE (AND WHAT YOU HAD) AS YOU DRIVE AWAY

We had spent a week outside Estes Park, Colorado.  Been up in the national park, walked, ridden horses, and even done some fly fishing.

It was time to go.  Drive to Denver and catch the plane back East.  We stopped at a store, I picked up an old CD by the Byrds (I had forgotten my iPod and was in need of music), and then we headed out.  The road winds around, climbing, and at one point I looked right back into the valley.  My heart jumped and my eyes began to tear as I saw this valley surrounded by the Rockies.  Funny how you could see where you were and what you had as you headed away down the road.

This past August a family from our church was relocating because of a job change.  Mary sent us this email and she said I could share her story with you so here is a part of her letter.
 

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Dear Friends,

We couldn’t leave without telling you how much we have enjoyed our time with you and First United Methodist Church.  Dick keeps visiting churches in Missouri while I stay here waiting to move.  I always ask the same questions.  Is it friendly?  Are the sermons good?  Is the music beautiful?  Do all ages worship together?  Does the church have small groups?  Are there circles for women?

We have finally come to the conclusion that it isn’t right to expect to find another FUMCB in Missouri because First United Methodist Church in Bloomington was the first church we have ever attended that had it all.

You have been such a huge part of why we thoroughly enjoyed Bloomington.  Thank you for being a warm, friendly, caring, touching church.  You are beautiful.  I’m thankful I got this time with you.  I will miss you.

Sincerely,

Mary

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Sometimes, as you head out of town, you look back and your heart catches with the blessing God has given you.  Mary is one of those people who are tuned in to the glory of every day, the blessed now, but there are days when I miss it.  God has given me something holy, a treasure, either in a place or a friend or work and if I am not careful I move so fast I miss it.

I wonder if perhaps Mary’s letter isn’t a reminder to us to keep our eyes open to the miracle, the blessing, The Open Door and First UMC are in our lives.  Not to ever take them for granted.  Letting the knowledge of this goodness, this treasure, say something to us about the way we pray, offer our time, and give our money to feed the miracle.

In the opening verses of 1^st Corinthians Paul says this:  “Every time I think of you –and I think of you often!- I thank God for your lives of free and open access to God, given by Jesus.  There’s no end to what has happened in you…The evidence of Christ has been clearly verified in your lives.  All God’s gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectan
tly for our Master Jesus to arrive….God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus.  God will never give up on you…Never forget that.”

In Christ and for Christ,

Mark