Why We're On...

I'm looking out the window at 8+ inches of snow and wondering if people think I've lost my mind for not canceling VIP today. We sing in church, and the singers are due at church in 1 hour and 6 minutes. I've heard that all school activities are canceled. Many churches have canceled their services, too. Why not us?

Well, church wouldn't be canceled because our 11am church is never canceled. There is a reason why the Pastor's house is built within walking distance of the sanctuary! I suspect the roots of this tradition are somewhere in our Methodist history... once upon a time, ministers were circuit riders and would travel from church. Now that they've given that up, maybe we decided to make sure they'd never have travel troubles again -- so we built their houses next door to church, or as close to it as possible.

As I thought, "OK, church is on but can we get there?" I pictured my singers and their houses. I knew Courtney would make it -- she just has to walk across the street. And I knew Eric would make it -- he's skilled at shoveling the driveway, and I knew he'd have it done and that his large neighborhood would be among the first to be plowed. I remembered that Tara also lives in a big, populated neighborhood and she has a short driveway - she'd probably be able to get out, too. So, we have an alto, a bass and a soprano. I can roll with that.

As soon as I thought "Yes, I can rally three singers," I remembered the verse from Matthew: "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

How hard it is in so many places for two or three to gather. My dear friend Matt Gaines, along with his wife, Stasia, and their two children, are missionaries in China. Christianity takes place carefully, often hidden away from the eyes of the Communist regime. How difficult it must be for two or three to gather...

When Adam and I were in Tanzania several years ago, we attended church, along with many people who walked long distances just to make it to the service. When the road to church is a multi-hours walk, it must be difficult for two or three to gather...

How fortunate we are to live in this country and to have the multitude of blessings that we enjoy, most of the time without even thinking about them. Today, getting to church will be difficult but as long as we can make the journey with a reasonable amount of safety, why not?

The VIP Parents are a smart and wonderful bunch. They'll know if their neighborhood streets are too snowy and if the journey is just too dangerous. I know that for the singers who can't be with us physically, they'll be with us in spirit.

As long as I can rally three, we're on!