Fill ‘Er Up!
Sunday found me missing the morning service at Trinity Baptist Church. I didn’t just miss the time on the clock, I actually felt an absence of it in my life. I had looked forward to going. To the fellowship, the lesson, the worship, to the breath of God that I get when I’m there. Thankfully, time opened up for me to go that evening. Although my day had been full and I wasn’t fresh from the shower; I dusted off, covered my t-shirt with a pretty poncho, pulled my hair back, got in my truck- with the trailer still attached- and went to church! Man, was I glad I did.
Tiredly, I greeted smiling faces with, “Good morning!” then stammered to my regular spot in my favorite pew. "The Sisters" were there so I was blessed already and as I settled into my seat, openhearted and ready to be filled up, I knew I’d overflow. And I did.
Witnessing worship with these ladies is seemingly right out of Heaven itself. The joy, love, faith and hope that pours so fervently from their countenance is transcendent. Harmonious voices are lifted high and mightily from ancient hymns that get right to your core. This has to be what old time revivals were all about. Hearing them sing from their heart, giving complete reverence to praise and adoration to their Savior, fills me with joy! This is the stuff that hymns were made of, made for!
Having a church home that feels like home rather than a show is not only fulfilling, it’s humbling. It’s medicinal and healing. Like a salve, a grandma’s hug, warm cookies, soft pillows or a worn quilt. It makes you want more. Leaves you feeling like you can't get enough. Compels you to wish for everyone to experience the warm, happy, joyful feelings you are having. It's a contentment that makes you want to share.
These women, "The Sisters", are the kind of people you want to soak up. You want to be like them because of the joy they have. It's written on their faces. They wear it like a jeweled crown. It adorns them and there is no mistaking it's presence and importance to them. You hear it in their singing. It ascends from their cloudlike mane loosely piled onto their head, and sprinkles down around them like little fairies carrying morsels from each fruit of the spirit, ready to be accepted by anyone who's open to their gift.
That night I left the service with such a full heart! It's really hard to convey the feelings of peace and joy I had poured into my soul. I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to witness Ms. Rose, Ms. Charlotte and Ms. Betty in their element. A little taste of what Heaven must have ongoing. I've never been privy to as honest and pure a heartfelt worship as when those three shared theirs with us. It was a lifelong practice for them I'm confident and I can't wait to hear them again.
Those joyful feelings and sincere love for worship is positively what God wants. He wants everyone to feel and accept it, and to share His love and peace. I cannot remember what kept me from making it to the morning service that day, but I'll not soon forget the service that night. Heaven shined down on us in brilliant form. It was the last time we'll hear the sister trio on this planet. I love the goodness of that little country church. It's not perfect. But it's perfect for me, and God is definitely there. He IS the church home. He IS the peace. Getcha-some
