Merry Christm...Er...Happy Sweets & Treats!

I just finished intern class. Every Thursday morning, I get one hour with the interns at The Coastlands. Though it's definitely not my favorite (read: most awake) time of the day (and by "time" I mean literally the particular hour of ANY morning), I do cherish that time with that whole group together. This morning I was excited to hear from the interns about their experience during our Sweets and Treats event last night. In particular, I was curious to know what the out-of-town interns though; for them, this was their first experience with S&T.

I was so pleased to hear a couple of them equate the event with Christmas! I'll explain that a bit further... The comparison was between the "feel" or "spirit" of the night last night and the feel/spirit of the Christmas season. Here's what I think that means: togetherness, welcome, safety, warmth, unity, family, joyfulness, gratefulness...and not least important, giving. One of the interns who had the privilege of handing out welcome packets to families as they left the building said that he found himself wanting to say "Merry Christmas!" as he said goodbye to them. I love this. There was an intimacy to the night together last night that brought out the best in people. I'm sure there were glitches here and there, and an occasional attitude popping up. But for the most part, everyone seemed very happy to be around this place.

This isn't at all to say, "Wow, great job, Coastlands!" But it is to say, "WOW, thank you, God for what YOU can do through us..." And, it is also to say, "Well done!" to everyone who gave of themselves in this effort. It's not about this place; it's about people responding in obedience to the Lord's instruction to give; it's about people acting (in faith) upon the principle that it is indeed more blessed to give than to receive; it's about taking seriously Jesus' words that when we make a place for, welcome and receive children, we receive Him and make His heart glad.

On this last note, I realize I may sound like a broken record. This morning I asked the interns what they felt were the creme de la creme events we do as a church. Their answers didn't surprise me: VBS, Easter/Pancake Breakfast, and Sweets & Treats (and they added that Christmas isn't bad either!). I then asked them what the common denominator was in all these events. They're sharp, so it didn't take long for someone to answer, "the kids." Interesting that the most life-giving, satisfying and fulfilling things we do as a church focus on making a place for kids. (They also happen to be the most tiring =) This is totally the Lord.

About that broken record comment. When it comes to the principle of blessing the kids, that is a groove I don't mind getting stuck in.

Whether you got to participate in Sweets & Treats this year or not, I hope you had an opportunity to give something sweet to a kid. Oh, and merry almost-Christmas to you.