Two years ago, Meredith and I found a contractor to finish our basement. Though the process turned out to be a disaster in some ways (the contractors turned out to be unreliable  and disappeared...long story), it resulted - at long last - into a wonderful new space...for hosting guests, safely storing items, and providing the family with places to work and play.

And now it has another use...a place of worship.

What used to be the wall between the basement bathroom and my "workshop" became the perfect place to hang one of our Lenten banners, stand up the crucifix and set up shop for my Lent and Holy Week sermons.

It took a little rearranging...shelves moving, rooms slightly redefining, and a single nail high in the wall. And there we were. Transformed...if only for a little while (hopefully), to a new sacred space.

This process reminds me of a few key moments in the life of my family and those dear to me. Sometimes we have to move our comfortable configurations - of home, work, play, and everything in between - to make room for something new. And oftentimes, the Holy Spirit adds a flair of her own. ;)

Friends, what are the times in your life when God invited you, maybe even nudged you in ways that seemed a bit more urgent, to rearrange the furniture in your heart, mind (or quite literally, your living room!) to allow for transformation on a new "level" of your faith journey?

It isn't always easy, nor does it always feel welcome...but in that process it always can be...welcom-ing.

Peace,

Pastor Paul