Daily Devotional October 8, 2020

One of my major goals in life has been to make sure the children in our church love me more than their own parents.  And because of a giant bowl of candy and a refrigerator filled with Popsicles, I was well on my way to making it happen.

Day after day, when our Mother’s Day Out program let out, many of the children would rush over to my office to stuff as much candy as they could into mouths and backpacks.  It was always the highlight of my day.  Then COVID-19 hit the world like a Mack Truck.

Out of concern for the children, the MDO shut down.  Our vibrant, life-filled church campus became a ghost town.  It was a surreal scene.  I was all alone with the church staff – not a Christian in sight.

Now, seven months later, our church is returning to a new normal.

Tuesday, as our Mother’s Day Out program let out after its second day, Juliana and Annalee came over to Dennis Hall for candy.  They were the beginning of what I hope will be many more children coming back to Dennis Hall to resume our sugary tradition.

Also, as part of the new normal, our church resume in-person worship this coming Sunday.

At 8:30 we will have a contemporary worship service.  At 11:00 we will have a traditional worship service.

Because of some maintenance issues in the sanctuary, both services will be in the Family Life and Worship Center.  And just like there have been changes in MDO procedures, there are also changes in how we worship in the time of COVID.

Wearing masks, social distancing, answering health screening questions, and temperature checks will be required.  While some may say this is an infringement on their rights, a friend reminded me stops signs and speed limits can also be viewed as interfering with someone’s rights, but they save lives.  That’s what matters.  It’s the same with masks.

This Sunday, I will echo the same words King David sang centuries ago: “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’”  (Psalm 122:1) I hope you will too.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, bless our church as we begin a new normal.  I humbly ask that each person that walks through your doors will feel love, joy, and peace.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

Sunday is right around the corner.  It will be a great day.  I hope you will be a part of it.

On another note, I wonder if the children love me because of my personality or the candy? 

It really doesn’t matter.  As long as they love me more than their parents, I’m good.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins