I received a great gift last evening. I went down to our sister church, Fourth Avenue United Methodist, to serve at our annual joint Thanksgiving Celebration. Both churches bring members and we joined by the men and women of the Healing Place. The Healing Place is an outreach ministry here in Louisville that helps folks in the process of recovery. They partner with people from all kinds of backgrounds and help to find daily victory over the hurts, habits and hangups of life. 
I got down to Fourth Ave late. I had to drop off the boys to Joy and then make my way through the streets of downtown Louisville. This isn’t normally a problem. I generally have a good sense of direction and don’t get lost easily (no, seriously, ask Joy, she’ll tell you!). But there was something strange about last night. For starters, it get’s dark earlier and because of that things look differently. Secondly, our beloved city is doing all kinds of road work all over – not in one or two strategic pleas, but all over! That made traffic crazier than it normally is. Third issue was the YUM center. The newly completed YUM center is the home to the Cardinals basketball team and last night they were jamming the streets with fans.
By the time I actually got to 4th Ave I was done. I had missed turns and been at the verge of road rage more times than I care to admit to and I was just ready to pack it all up and go home. I parked my car, took a big breathe and said, “okay, Jesus, if you want to use me, you’re gonna have to change me.” I opened the door and felt the cold front that was moving in hit me. Each step I took toward the church seemed to birth in me some life.
When I got into the church, life was teeming all around me. Big smiles, full plates of food, large hugs and strong hand shakes were all around. Laughter poured from room after room as I watched kids serve desserts and teens pour drinks. I watched children and older members stand next to each other and be the hands and feet of Jesus. I watched plates being scraped and tables carted off and lawyers, doctors, stay at home mom’s and a pastor or two jump in and out of the dance that was this amazing event. I felt the smile on my face start to stick – Jesus was answering my prayer.
I went upstairs to the sanctuary for the time of worship and saw some old friends and church members waiting to join together. I heard singing and musical choices that were as far from my comfort level as they could be, but I knew worship was occurring. I sat next to a man on crutches who held onto me while we sang Amazing Grace all while trying my dead level best to stay in tune and in beat with all the different things I was hearing around me. Then we moved to sharing and a time of focus around the Table of Jesus. I heard the liturgy, I received the elements and I was invited to let the divine mystery take a hold of my heart. Once again, I felt Jesus was answering my prayer.
I was asked to have a jar of anointing oil and anoint folks in need. Anointing in mass like that is always tricky – do you say the same thing or do you let each person tell you their need? I decided to let the Spirit prompt me as most folks walked up not really knowing what to expect. I anointed nearly 50 or more folks (probably more, I lost count). I looked into eyes that were hurting and yet were thankful. I asked for the grace and peace of the Savior to be with them and I watched as hope started to root in souls. With each person, I felt that same Grace and Peace work its way back into my weary soul.
When we were finished with the service, there were hugs and well wishes and farewells. I said my goodbyes to the other pastors and friends that I have since come to respect and admire. I got in my car and I realized that I was a different person. I had changed in that short 2 hours since I first parked the car. My frustrations with traffic quickly returned; as did the distractions that were on my mind before, but now I was ready for them.
Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I hope that we all have opportunity to whisper a prayer of Thanks and maybe even a request to let him bring change to our hearts. I pray that wherever you may find yourself tomorrow and friday, that you will breathe in that presence of a God who loves to bring life. I pray you’ll hear the grace and peace of the One who lavishly pours it out to those who ask. And I pray that you’ll be filled with a heart of Thankfulness that let’s us see what we’ve been truly blessed with! Happy Thanksgiving and…
May the Grace and Peace of our Lord and Savior fill you with Hope and Joy!