Dying a thousand deaths

We had a business meeting at church tonight. I alternate in how I feel about these. On good days, I tolerate them. On bad days, I despise them. Tonight had potential to be the bad day kind. I understand why church business meetings can be good. For so many reasons, which I may outline sometime, it’s easier for a meeting to go bad than for one to go well. Ask any Baptist and they’ll tell you about the meeting that got really out of control. We have wounds. This year has been tough in many ways. Finances are inexplicably tight after a very healthy year last year. We’re facing some significant building costs. A staff position wasn’t filled as hoped. Some young couples (hello, Ian) are moving out of town. There’s lots to complain about. Lots to celebrate too, but that’s a bit harder when there are problems. Two good things happened tonight. First, the humanity of our leaders flickered through. At one point, one of our key leaders got a bit emotional and talked about how this year has been challenging, and how it’s taken its toll. It’s easy to pretend to have it all together, but it’s nice to drop one’s guard. The whole tone of the meeting shifted. Second, someone stood up and reminded us of God. I know that some churches over-spiritualize everything, but our tendency is to go the opposite extreme and to try and handle everything ourselves. It was nice to be reminded that maybe we ought to ask God for his help rather than try to solve everything ourselves. Kind of a novel concept for a church. I’ve spoken a lot lately on trusting God when things don’t go our way. I can’t help but think that God is teaching me something about what I’ve been talking about.