Signs of Life

The smell is that of something that is rarely used. The dusty, old smell of a library, or maybe an attic. Once in the sanctuary, I notice that there are signs that this is used, though not necessarily loved or cared for. The hardwood floor has places that are clearly faded by the sun. The pews are only really long enough for four or five people at the most. The arches are large, but clearly the church that worships under them is small. The hymnals are well worn, but the voices lack excitement or feeling. There are no bibles to be found.
I worshiped with Robin at her old church this weekend, and the places struck a lot of sadness in me. What was, presumably, once a thriving body of faith was now a place that people go because they have always gone. Sadly, this is the state of our entire church in the United States. It is a dying shell.

But, here and there, you can see signs of life. This is the great testimony of the Holy Spirit. Even in places dried by years of apathy and rote worship, God finds a way to break through and infect some with the mustard seed of his kingdom. He found me in such a place. He found my wife. I dream of a day when people can say of our church in the United States that it is thriving, that it is authentic and truly alive in the Spirit of the Lord. This, I feel, is what I am called to do, to try to be a part of a community of faith that is like many, but very unlike the majority here, a community that is living and active. Come soon Lord Jesus, come soon Holy Spirit, come soon God the Father, come and let us help you bring your kingdom in.