Lord's Supper

Last night we had our regular communion service at church. We come together as a family to remember and proclaim the Lord's work in our lives. It is rich. 

Brian and I snuck in late and, heads tucked down, found the closest open seats. A few minutes later, I saw, from the corner of my eye, a lady in a red t-shirt sit next to me. 

It wasn't until we all went forward to take communion--a half hour later--that I realized she wasn't a stranger. This dear lady was in my small group, and she came from a hard week to find sustaining grace at the cross. 

But I was too busy giving her privacy to notice. I didn't want her to feel like I was staring at her from 8 inches away.

I also wanted my own privacy. I was insecure, and being noticed seemed like the last thing I wanted. I didn't want any eyes on me, so I assumed no one else wanted my eyes on them. I sat there dreading the inevitable please stand and greet someone around you. I wanted to be shut off. 

Caught up in my own insecurities, eyes turned in on myself, I missed an opportunity to welcome in my dear sister and be family at the foot of the cross. 

In taking communion, you reorient your eyes back on Christ. You remember why. You ground yourself in the reality of who God is. 

Focused on myself, I didn't want to partake as one of God's people. I wanted to come as a lone wolf. Pray to myself for myself. Take the bread without acknowledging the saints next to me. But when I looked up, focused my eyes on God and his glory, I found family. And it was so sweet!

Thank you, friend, for your grace and encouragement.