harvest work
Take me out to the ballgame
Take me out with the crowd
There was a time when I watched a lot of baseball. Keeping my scorecard with the tiny pencil, falling in love with Wrigley field. Now I can’t remember the last time I’d been to a Cubs game, and I found myself anxious about how it would all come together.
How do I feel about crowds? Mostly, I avoid them. So I wasn’t sure how I felt about being one of 29,590 cheering fans, then working the NCF Pridefest booth in downtown Urbana, handing out invitations to church and lunch at our Sunday Open House. While Jubal biked around downtown Chicago, I enjoyed a little quiet time with the Gideon Bible in the hotel room, preparing myself for the next event.
But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Matthew 9:36 (NKJV)
My relationship to crowds changed without my noticing. Eight years of being a pastor has changed me, changed how I see people, how I show up. I have been moved with compassion.
The Cubs game was lovely. Two families behind us- a toddler and a newborn. Two brothers beside us, one also keeping score. The friendly confines were friendly and good for people-watching. With compassion for all of their humanity. (Cubs Win!)
It has been over a dozen years since we attended the first CU Pridefest; it has really grown! – so many booths, families, people of all abilities and walks of life. The last day of summer in Urbana was a hot one. We offered pens, candy, invites to church and lunch, and gave out 250 cups of ice water to thirsty people. When the cups ran out, we refilled water bottles.
“We are intimately linked in this harvest work. Anyone who accepts what you do, accepts me, the One who sent you. Anyone who accepts what I do accepts my Father, who sent me. Accepting a messenger of God is as good as being God’s messenger. Accepting someone’s help is as good as giving someone help. This is a large work I’ve called you into, but don’t be overwhelmed by it. It’s best to start small. Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won’t lose out on a thing.” Matthew 10:41-42 (The Message)
Lamb chops for church open house lunch were a hit! The donuts were delicious. Sides and desserts piled the plates. The buzz of conversation and compliments were warm and happy. People pitched in and cleaned up. A great “first fruits” celebration.
After each event this weekend, I was exhausted. And joyful and deeply satisfied to do my part in this harvest work. This is our calling. Compassion. Small acts of giving and receiving. May we continue to live into the work God has given us. -Renée