God surprises me all the time. Sometimes I understand His message right away and other times they confuse me, but in time I understand.
When I first found St. John the Baptist, God’s message was clear, “This where I want you to be. You belong here.” Ever since that first Sunday, I immersed myself spiritually and physically in this church. Working with Vestry and the Building Committee has taught me a lot about myself and others, both within and outside our Parish.
The work of the Building Committee has been a year-long challenge for all of us. Delayed starts and difficulty in getting materials caused much frustration. Knowing we were losing our storage space because of the sale of the Rectory, Vestry approved the purchase of a storage shed. Dave Tyler took on the task of sizing and ordering the new shed. The scheduled date of delivery was the last week of September. The new owners kindly said we could keep our things in what was now their shed until ours came. However, unbeknownst to us at the time, there was an issue.
We would learn later, because of Covid, the construction and subsequent delivery of our new shed would be delayed for two months. Alice Ann, the new owner of the Rectory, was very kind and understanding even though she needed the space. Anyone who has met her and her family know they are very special people. I honestly believe, as she does, that God had a lot to do with her finding and buying the house.
After contacting the shed company and getting a new delivery date, the shed again didn't arrive as promised. When called, the builder promised we would receive it in early November. Again, it did not arrive. Both Dave Tyler and I called the builders to get some clarification and a commitment. When I called, I was transferred to the head of the transportation company which now had our shed in its possession. I’m not sure how Dave T’s call went, but mine was contentious. I was very agitated and let them know. I’m sure there was some cussing going on, at least on my part. The person I spoke with, Bob I believe, promised the shed would arrive on the Monday before Thanksgiving. I waited at the church most of that day. No shed. They called late in the day and said they were delayed a day and it would be delivered in the morning of the next day. Again, I went to the church and waited most of the day. Finally, around 3 pm, two men showed up with the shed.
Once there, it took well over an hour to get the shed positioned properly. The placement was managed by one man. The other person, the supervisor, spoke with me most of the time. He was very interested in the church, our customs and beliefs, and how I ended up at St. John’s. We also spoke of his faith journey. It turns out he was Bob, the person I had spoken to on the phone. I was more than a bit embarrassed.
Once the helper was finished, Bob called him over. He asked if I would pray with them. His helper took off his hat and Bob began to lead us in prayer. He first thanked the Lord for our fellowship. He asked for blessings for our building project and the new shed. He ended the prayer by asking for God’s healing hands to be on a critically ill friend.
So, there we were, three strangers sharing God's love, peace and blessings in the parking lot of a construction site.
I will never forget that special moment.
