Jul
31
2020
Huddled Under The Trees
Posted in Worship 4 Comments
I have been watching my church’s Sunday services via Livestream each week.
It has been strange not to be at church with my church family.
It has not felt the same.
However, I am so grateful that technology makes this possible.
I am used to getting up and getting dressed for church.
I am not used to going on my morning walk and coming home to go to church.
Often, I was still in my walking clothes and sneakers as I sat with my Bible on my lap.
Many Sundays, I ate mandarin slices from a plate as I listened to the sermon.
I know that church is not the building.
Church is the people God brings together in a local congregation.
Church is the global gathering that God assembles all over the world.
Still, the local church, and the building provided, is a blessing often taken for granted.
My church began outside services the first Sunday of July.
The second service was still Livestreamed for those who were unable to be there.
The first Sunday that outdoor services were offered, our granddaughter was with us.
It was not the week to bring a one-year-old toddler to church on the lawn.
The next two Sundays, we were away on vacation.
I listened to the sermons online.
I was very eager to get back to an actual church service.
I decided to go to the outside service this past Sunday.
I went by myself.
I brought my chair.
I had my Bible.
I had my mask.
I drove into the parking lot for the 8:15 am service.
It was a lovely summer morning.
It was not too hot or too humid at that hour.
People had already gathered.
I parked my car and walked up the slight incline to sit under the trees.
In fact, I noticed that everyone was sitting under the trees.
There was one large tent for the older members of the congregation.
The tent was also for people with health issues, which prohibited them from gathering too close.
Social distancing was practiced.
Bracelets of red, yellow, and green were available.
The bracelets were to let others know your comfort level as far as interaction is concerned.
I chose yellow (still being cautious) for now, and green (totally comfortable) for later.
As I sat under the trees, I realized that only a few people were directly in the morning sun.
The pastor and the worship team were facing east with the sun in their eyes.
They stood on top of a flat bed wagon, with a pulpit and large speakers so they could be heard.
Everyone followed along in our worship bulletin.
Even socially distanced, I smiled at the fact that everyone was under the clump of trees.
No one was in the direct sun.
I looked down and saw a large carpenter ant walking across my Bible.
Minutes later, a large carpenter ant was walking on my dress.
I assumed the ants were falling from the trees under which we were huddled.
I brushed the ant away as soon as I saw it.
There was nothing any of us could do.
Shade from the sun vs. carpenter ants; the shade won that contest.
After the church service, I drove home.
I meandered along country roads.
I was enjoying the solitude and the early morning views.
I saw something that made me pause.
Across from a beautiful farmhouse, which was newly renovated, there was a clump of trees.
Under the trees, were cows too numerous to count.
Some were lying down; some were standing.
Some were mother cows; some were young cows.
All were taking advantage of the shade under the trees.
I wanted to pull over and take a picture.
However, this narrow country road, with its many blind hills, is not a safe place to stop.
I slowed down and smiled at the sight.
I realized that to anyone driving by the church at 8:15, we must have looked like those cows.
Huddled together, yet socially distanced.
The cows knew no such separation.
Social distancing means nothing to cows.
Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed… Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth…My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. (Psalm 57: 1, 5, 7-11)
I thought of Psalm 57 as I drove away.
We are huddled under the shadow of His wings, until the disaster passes.
Our heart remains steadfast as we focus on Him.
We praise Him because He is our refuge.
The cows do not know that; however all created things give Him glory.
Together, yet following all the health guidelines, we worshiped Him whose wings cover us.
We sang and made music, there in the early morning hours of the Lord’s Day.
His love reaches to the heavens; His faithfulness reaches to the skies.
So like the cows, yet so different.
We can know Him.
We can come to Him.
We can take refuge in His mercy.
Alleluia!
I see a small speck of irony in the fact that you were worshiping Our Lord (who was a carpenter) when you were visited by a pair of carpenter ants.
Amen, to that observation, Brian!
It takes a creative mind to put those two things together!
Blessings, friend.
Gina
Worship has changed, but hearing God’s word preached is more precious than ever. I miss seeing smiles( now hidden under masks ) and hugs from friends, but we can still find ways to connect and encourage. It just takes a little creativity.
Paula,
I miss seeing smiles, too.
I miss hugs from friends.
Yes, we are finding new ways to stay connected.
God’s Word goes forth despite our circumstances.
Gina