An unexpected Altar
I told a story this past Sunday about rebuilding a little red stool that became an act of worship to God. Here's my written reflection on the event. You can hear the emotional, spoken version here.
I found the pieces of a little red stool under the pile of painting materials, cloths, tools and parts that no longer fit anything on my workbench this past weekend. I was in a chore-finishing mood that day, so, I picked up the pieces and began to nail and glue the stool back together. Kim and I had bought the stool for our daughters when they were growing up to help them reach sinks, books, or join us with what we were doing on the kitchen cabinet. On top of the little red stool was the rhyme:
This little stool is mine,
I use it all the time,
To reach the things I couldn’t,
And lots of things I shouldn’t.
I had no reason to repair the stool. No one needed something to stand on in the house. We were not short on ladders. But that afternoon I was drawn by memories of my now-young adult daughters stepping up on that stool to wash their hands or brush their teeth as a reason to restore the stool. As I dusted, tapped nails, and glued a broken leg together, every memory of my daughters became praise to God for his grace and goodness shown to Kim and me through our two precious girls.
The broken stool sat under the pile of chaos for over a year among all the other broken things that needed repair. I picked up those pieces and put them back together because I was thinking about my girls that day, but my act of restoration became an unexpected altar of praise to God. What started as a simple chore filled with memories became an encounter with God who reminded me I was loved and that stool now stood as one of many tokens of his presence and love.
After the glue had dried and I had dusted the corners and legs, I put it in my oldest daughter’s bathroom. Now, when I walk by the repaired little red stool, which was washed in memory and praise, I whisper a prayer of thanks to my Father in Heaven who graced us with little girls who are now young adults.
We have been talking about what it means to live a life of worship. What are some things you do or have done that have become an act of worship to God? Comment below. For more direction on how to live such a life go here. You can also find there all you need to begin or deepen your relationship with Jesus.
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Legacy is participating in the city's Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Sunday evening at First United Methodist Church by supporting the celebration with some of our staff and technical resources. For details in joining us as we recognize this man and the movement he led, go here.
I will offer a study of “Acts and Paul’s Letters” at Legacy, Monday nights, 6:30 to 8:30, as part of the B. H. Carroll Theological Institute. The class will begin Monday, January 23, and complete on Monday, March 13. This is a seminary level course taught as part of the BHCTI curriculum. You must register for the class through BHCTI online (class number: SWBLI 5212). A short application and fee of $40 are required for “readers” or those auditing the course. “Students” must register online and be accepted as part of a BHCTI degree plan. This is a great way to enhance your understanding of Scripture as you grow in your relationship with Christ. If you have questions or want more information, you can contact Pastor Gene by email or at 972.618.4600 ext. 202.
I am also going through an introduction to the Gospels on Friday mornings at 6:30 a.m. with the men's group. Contact Craig Barber for more details.