Two Geese, Sitting on the Ice
In late March, the ice was still on the surface of the pond at our local wetland at 17 Mile Road. The frosty weather was showing signs of breaking up, and the surface had been clear of ice the week before. The large water birds, the geese, the ducks, the herons, were in the process of returning.
On this particular day, the ice was on the pond, and two geese were sitting on the middle of the surface. It was like they were claiming rights to their particular seat. "This is where we sit. This is our pond. We're reserving our spot early this year."
By early April, the pond is now clear of ice, and they are apparently sharing their pond with a lot of their friends, including their long-necked, long-legged heron neighbors.
My preaching brethren discussed church growth at our monthly meeting this past Tuesday. Basic problems of growth are newness, change, uncomfortable feelings, and of being pushed out of our "comfort zones."
Growth creates problems; it's uncomfortable. Problems of growth can be seen in a growing family. The pregnant wife would be a prime example. The busy husband puts in extra hours after work, to prepare the baby's room. Friends host the baby shower, to help ease the family's strain and struggle to bring a new one into the world.
A church can be academically "sold" on the idea of growth, and yet not be ready in their hearts for the changes that it will require for each member. The church needs to commit to accommodate new converts into "their" family. New ones may be a little "rough" with their language, their clothes may be out-of-the-norm, their children may misbehave. They may be struggling with new ideas, and they may openly speak of their "unorthodox" beliefs in Bible School.
How do we treat our new baby? We use a whole lot of tolerance! We serve. We help. We support. Are we willing to have these attitudes to those "fresh out of the baptistery?"
God's Holy Spirit teaches us to "warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all." (I Ths. 5:14)
Patience: that's the key! A visitor sits down in "your seat." A new brother or sister may do the same. First, be glad that there is a new face in our worship assembly. Second, ask for permission to sit next to them. Third, visit and make friends with them. Fourth, have a great worship service together. Fifth, ask them out to lunch.
It may be the start of an eternal relationship. When the pond thawed out, those two geese had a whole lot of friends. They got along swimmingly!
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