The Maxwells spent last week on Corpus Christi beach. God spared us from Tropical Storm Erin, but blessed us with Tropical Storm Lidi. You first-time dads know well the moment when this reality hits you: “Wait, I’ve suddenly become my father”? This was our first real family vacation and that’s when it hit me. I was no longer the one frolicking in the sand and surf. I was the one lounging about with the sun wooing me to a blissful nap. It was painfully obvious: I had become my dad!
But I digress from the real reason for this post.
One morning Lidi was diligently constructing one of her first sand castles. That’s it above, the little mound with the stick majestically emerging from the center. She’s a minimalist, by the way.
Proudly, she called my attention to it and I asked her what it was (fully expecting her to say “a castle!”). She said, “It’s my church!” I took the bait and asked what her church was called. Without hesitation she said, “I Love You Church.” To quote Forrest Gump: “that’s good.”
I learned much about worship that day. She didn’t know it but Lidi provided an excellent commentary on Revelation 21.2-4. Jesus will for eternity be on display with his church. He will clothe her in beauty and holiness for all the world to see. He will proudly say to his (and our) Father, “Look what I built, Father!” When asked, he will say this is his new Jerusalem, his bride, his holy city, his dwelling place. At that point I hope to look at Lidi and with a wink say, “It’s the I Love You Church.”
There is no theological educational institution like the family!
Scott V
Now that is one cute Kid and a REALLY nice church! No arguments over what color to make the carpets, what kind of chandelieurs, what kind of hymnal, what translation to use, and should we go to a second service??? Church, down to earth all about Jesus.
Shawn Michael
Actually, I did get a call from the finance committee wondering how much insurance was going to cost (it is in a flood plain). They also suggested downsizing the steeple from a stick to twig. Oh, and the Ladies Auxiliary complained that they got too much sand in their shoes.
You don’t want to know what the deacons said, but here’s a hint: shorts and sandals.
So, even I Love You Church suffers from the goatish chaff until “that day.” I pray Lidi never gets discouraged by it, though.