Today our congregation shared a meal together at noon--our annual Thanksgiving meal. I know, it's a little early, but it's what we do to avoid clashing with travel plans, etc. during the holidays. Russell was required to be back on the unit today at 1:00--part of the prison's plan to allow him to keep his preaching position. This is something that our family needs and that he loves to do. He works on the unit from 6-9:30, at church from 10:00-12 or so, on the unit from 1-5:30 and at church from 6-7ish. Since he usually wakes up at 4 or so to study, and often our evenings with our church family go until 8 or so with various activities--it is a LOOOONG day.
Back to "hope" though--Russell asked Conner to give the devotional talk at our abbreviated second service after lunch today--and he agreed. As enthusiastically as any 15 year old boy asked to speak in front of people does! Conner is such an amazing person--we are watching him grow at an alarming rate right now...he is not only taller and sporting a deeper voice, but his love for the Church and his faith are growing and developing each day right in front of our eyes. He decided to speak on hope, and he did a great job. His choice of scripture, his references to a contemporary Christian song (he IS his father's son!), and his delivery were great. What REALLY filled me with hope was that in addition to Conner's talk, his friend Weston led the congregation in singing, and his friend Ryan led the closing prayer. These boys are 8th, 9th and 10th graders. In a few short years, they will be the leaders in the church. I am so thankful that each of them has the willingness and the ability to participate now. I am thankful for each kind word and hug that they received afterward today. I am thankful for the hope that they give me for our future.
No comments:
Post a Comment