In early June our church announced the undertaking of a major project. The reorganization, demolition, and construction project was named "Open Arms". The sermon introducing it was based on the "let the little children come unto me" verses. It was the last one we heard before Macy's death. :( Don't miss the painful irony of those last two sentances.
This is an undertaking of MAJOR proportions. Basically we are changing the way space in our building is used. We used to use the school classrooms for our children's ministry spaces. This made a lot of sense but it didn't give the church kids any of their "own" space. The new space is going to be spectacular. All the rooms have their own themes. There will be big bold color and eye catching features all around. All designed to make it welcoming and fun.
It is a great deal of work. A HUGE deal of work. Done mostly by volunteers.
In addition to giving financial support, over the summer our life group cooked for the volunteers. Until now that has been the extent of my own involvement. Last month when the children and volunteers were invited to put their own painted handprints up to decorate the entrance hallway to the new space, they had a list available of many little mini projects. I decided to take ownership of the trim in the rainforest room.
Yesterday, while George was at school, was my first day on the job. It might take a month of a few hours here and there but I'll get it done. And if Jesus doesn't come back for us soon, my prayer while I paint is that kids will be getting to know Him in that room long after I'm gone.
And that is how my favorite Gap tee became adorned with an inferior paint company's version of Festival Green. I don't even really mind because my treasures are in heaven, not in my closet.
