Our Awesome God

I have been struggling since the 3rd trying to figure out what God is calling me to do.  I have been praying and asking for direction, clarity, confirmation, anything!

God answers.

I had an amazing experiencing planning a service with my colleagues at CRCD for the seniors.  It was such fun to plan with a group of people who were excited to serve.  I had lots of help with music and readings and amazing friends to help light candles, decorate and un-decorate rooms, serve food, just being there for each other.  We are all Methodists and are all struggling with the outcomes at General Conference.

Then, of course I was thinking that it was just great people.

I was finishing up the last bits of clean up from the altar and communion and met an amazing woman from HOPE Lodge. This is the building next to the campus that houses those who are going through treatment with cancer or illnesses in the redone dormitories on campus.  The building is beautiful, the people are friendly and I have been to a few dinners over there sponsored by campus groups.

The amazing lady I met came in with someone who was following her to write a story from RIT.  She wanted to show him the carving in the front of the altar of the last supper - which is truly beautiful. I offered her communion and she was so thankful.  That is true communion - coming to the table so thankful for Christ.  It was amazing. I felt God moving in that space.  We prayed together and we were both nearly in tears by the time she left.  She didn't realize that Hope Lodge residents could attend the church services.  She was so excited by that.  I had never thought they didn't know.

As I walked back marveling over God's work and how God uses people to help each other I couldn't help but to say a prayer of thanks.  She did not realize it, but I needed her witness to Christ as much as she may have needed the communion.

I then had a conversation with the District Superintendent from Genesee Valley.  He had attended conference.  I needed to hear from some one who was there if he felt heard.  If there was room in this church for people like me and for change.  He was amazing. Ted answered my questions honestly and could understand my frustration and disappointment, but he gave me hope.  Betsy who works with him found articles for me and they gave me hope once more.

Then in truly God fashion (at least in my life), I ran into Katrina who is the person organizing services next year.  We chatted about HOPE house and the needs for altar decorations and items for services.  We had some great ideas for next semester and outreach to HOPE house.  I left feeling love.  I felt energized, and a clear confirmation in my call and where I am right now in the United Methodist Church.

I am still disappointed, but change can not happen unless it starts from the ground up.  By the sheer joy in my interactions with others, I felt God's love surround me and encourage me forward.   I do not know what is next, or where I will go, but I do know with all of my being that God is working in it and that I am right where God wants me to be right now!  That is all that I need.