On a cold, windy, and rainy morning I began the “UMC Bazaar Journey.” I love church bazaars and I love celebrating the gifts so many have been given to make, create, and bake. God gifts us all in different ways and it’s a beautiful thing to see His creativity on full display.
Alliance United Methodist Church was my first stop. Honestly, an invitation to attend this annual bazaar is what started the all-day tour. The invitation was extended by a former teacher of mine. In high school she was one of my favorites and a mentor for me ever since whether she knew it or not.
I picked up a cake because the next day was homecoming at my own church. Cooking is not a gift of mine so everyone would appreciate me sharing the talents of another in this circumstance. As I was checking out and paying, this former teacher came over and began introducing me to everyone in the room. She spoke of being proud of me and then said,” I claim her.” Tears filled my eyes as they ran down my cheeks and mixed with the rain while I crossed the parking area to my car.
First of all, I was a mess in my younger years. A hodge podge of super motivation struggling with perpetual laziness, arrogance pitted against insecurity, and a person who looked really “together” and the lost soul who was winning on any given day. She knew me then and STILL “claimed” me anyway. I think of relatives who haven’t wanted to claim me at times. I can remember friends who haven’t wanted to claim me in certain crowds. I cringe as I can recall even my own kids wanting to not claim me a time or two… or maybe more… Yet here was this woman of powerful faith proudly claiming me warts and all and owning her role in my life.
Every night during the Charge Conference season, we have remembered our baptisms. We have heard the District Superintendent say that the sign of the cross we make in remembrance reminds us of whose we are in this life and our eternal one yet to come. He describes marks given by shepherds to claim their own and reminds us that with baptism, Christ has claimed us as His own as we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit. What a powerful kind of love that act of claiming is for each of us.
As we begin the season of Advent, remember how it feels to be claimed. Take these days ahead to reach out to others and remind them that no matter how messy or complicated their lives are, they are loved and welcome in the house of the Lord. Remind others and yourself that Christ loves us… ALL of us. Love is a powerful gift and the only gift that really matters. Let’s don’t waste a lot of time wrapping and hiding within our walls, the greatest gift of all. Speak and share love at every opportunity you are given in the days ahead.
“For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ’plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
If you would like to view past editions of A Message from Kim, follow this link: https://sounddistrictnc.org/category/from-district-lay-leader/
If you would like to connect with Kim please do so through her email, k.smith@nccumc.org