In this month of Thanksgiving I am thankful for all of the messes in our church…
1. The clutter of kitchen equipment on the patio symbolizing continued movement in updating our facility for ministry (see below).
2. The thawed cornish game hens left overnight in the parking lot after a Wednesday night youth activity of turkey bowling which symbolizing a vibrant youth ministry.
3. The scattered papers in the worship team area on which are printed the “road map” for worship each week symbolizing the growth of worship ministry.
4. The overflowing receptacle for recycling water bottles in my office symbolizing God’s provision of clean drinking water, an urgent need in much of the world.
5. The plastic cups left in the landscaping from our Sunday fellowship time after the worship service symbolizing our deepening relationships as a church family.
6. The orange cones surrounding the hole in the ground where the well project continues symbolizing vision for the future.
7. The boxes of donated books in the library symbolizing our congregation’s hunger for growing in the knowledge of God’s Word.
8. The landfill that is John and Zac’s office symbolizing a flurry of ministry activity and engaging people in ministry. (see above)
9. Stains on the carpet in Smith Hall symbolizing the fact that we are a spiritual hospital and not a museum.
10. The toys scattered on the playground symbolizing growth in children’s ministry.
11. The messes in all of our lives that we bring before the cross each Sunday, symbolizing that God is at work creating something beautiful in us individually and as a family.
Like the Apostle Paul, I want more than anything to know Christ (Phil. 3:10). I do not want to simply know about Him. I want to know Him-- personally, intimately, and experientially. It is not enough for me to hear about Him. I want to see Him with my own eyes.
With My Own Eyes 
Char Walker
November 11, 2011 at 3:18 pm
I’m happy for you and all your Messes! May God continue to bless!
Love
Char
chadzaucha
November 12, 2011 at 5:14 pm
Thank you, Char.
Lori Lincoln
November 11, 2011 at 10:23 pm
“Anything” messy, is not in my comfort zone. But what I have gained spiritually in the last 12 months of messiness, is irreplaceable. So much messiness in my childhood, the only way to survive, growing up, was to keep “everything” in “perfect” order, in my tiny little spot in the universe. And it is the complete opposite of what my life looks like right now.
I feel like I’ve broken out of prison, I’m barefooted, running through the daffodils, with white clouds and blue skies all around me. Lord O Lord, thank you for the messes in my life !
The Lord is at work, richly, in our midst. Lori
chadzaucha
November 12, 2011 at 5:15 pm
Lori, thanks for being a part of our mess. It has been a blessing to see God at work in your life.
Deb
November 13, 2011 at 11:16 am
Chad, I love this post!! I wish more people looked at messes and saw the blessings behind them. 🙂 Still praying for you and yours!! LOVE from Michigan!!
chadzaucha
November 13, 2011 at 1:17 pm
Deb, Wow do I miss you guys. Thanks for your prayers. God is up to something big.