Last week we went to the Billy Graham Library. I have been before, but you can’t take it all in with one visit. We also wanted to see the Christmas lights, the live nativity, and the caroling groups outside. It was absolutely wonderful (and free). As you might expect – it was busy. We were in line for over an hour to go through the library. And while I wanted the line to move faster, the slow moving line caused me to notice a number of things I would have overlooked.
When you enter the Library it is built like a barn with exposed beams. On each beam there is a verse of Scripture. There is only so much you can do standing in line – so you end up looking at these beams over and over again. It started to hammer into me the message that was intended. It made me realize the great value in having key verses or phrases of verses printed in high visibility areas in the church. The impact those words can make when seen repeatedly should not be underestimated. But far too many churches have blank – institutional looking facilities. I believe we need to use all of the senses God has given to us to get the message across!
There was another sign, more like one of those cloth banners hung on a pole in the lobby. This one stopped me in my tracks – so much so I copied the phrase into my phone. I didn’t want to forget what it said and how God uses it in me. The sign simply read “People online are waiting to meet Jesus”. The truth of this statement called to me. What am I doing about it? What is our church doing, or other churches? Maybe you have a Facebook presence, or a webpage. It is a start, but is that enough? I am wondering about the benefit of live chat rooms. I’m not sure how any of this should look, but I think it is worth some serious brainstorming and implementation. To use the words of Jesus it is a “field ripe for harvest.” (Send me your ideas)
I’m not usually a patient man with long lines. Usually I will just say “forget it” and move on to something else. But the long line had a benefit I could not foresee. After waiting an hour, and then another hour to an hour and a half to get through all the Library, we went back outside to see the live nativity (which was great – they even had a live Camel!) and take in the carolers. Evidently, various churches provided carolers throughout the week. When we came outside, I was immediately drawn to the music. It was an all female black Choir (with the exception of a small boy getting into the music) and they were fantastic. I love the music style and it was such a blessing. Had the line moved any faster – it would have been a different group. God had this church choir in mind for us!
Our waiting led to great blessings in so many ways. Waiting spoke Scripture into my spirit. Waiting impressed the value of Scripture prominently posted in the local church. Waiting afforded me the blessing of some great music. Waiting revealed to me people are waiting online to meet Jesus!
Sometimes waiting is worth it!
JT
