What’s that source of silence,
Humming through the air?
The voice that now is quieted,
Among conversation’s fair.
No longer seen returning,
Down the crowded hall,
Nor faithfully attending,
Within these hallowed walls.
Truth is, they are missing, and how have we not seen?
Their presence no longer reminding,
Of a soul reaching to redeem.
Our structured lives revealing,
There’s no margins to bring in,
Connections longing to surface,
That are quieted without a friend.
Eventually they will move on,
In their journey to defend.
This longing that engulfs them,
For interactions in this win.
But when do we take notice?
In only a moment to look around.
Who is not beside you?
Whom you assumed connections had been found.
It is all within each one of us,
To seek that precious soul.
Relenting routines constrictions,
Stepping out of our familiar roles.
Find the one who’s missing,
And reach to draw them in.
Remembering our purpose here,
Changing eternity for a new friend.
Wendi Maddox
Author’s Look~
Who’s Missing? This inspiration came from a message preached quite a while ago from Rev. Roy Duke. As pastor of our church, he was reminding us that much of our purpose on the pews where we sit, is to look around and engage with those sitting beside us, or nearby. It is so easy to get stuck in our “church routines” and not give purpose to the ministry of the pews. This reminder made me squirm, as it is definitely an area in which I need to grow and improve upon. It is easier to avoid, but that is not what God has called us to as His children who are a part of the family of God.
OTHERS
It is very easy to look at church attendance as something for ourselves and what we gain from it. There is great truth in that thought, but as we mature in our personal relationship with God and our church family, we have to get out of the mindset of self, and look around at those sitting among us. God desires us to look outward as well as inward, to engage with that visitor or newcomer to make them feel at home and comfortable in His house. Kindness is a ministry, because it welcomes and draws inside a place of safety. A place to come and find the ONE who can make all of the difference in their life!
Hospitality
As individuals enter into a house of worship, many times they are not even sure what they are seeking, but are drawn in by what they feel from those around them reaching out and engaging in a relationship of love and care. It can be those steps of thoughtfulness, that further their attendance and encourage their individual relationship with God. They can more easily draw near to Him, when they first feel drawn to the love of His people. It takes us looking outside of ourselves and seeing who is there, and knowing when they are not.
Noticing
People can come and go from an assembly and if the crowd is large enough . . . and never be missed, because time was not taken, while they were there, to make a connection. They may have gotten discouraged or let life take over, not feeling supported or even noticed enough to continue the effort of searching for God. Some only know to start by entering a church service, and what happens there with the interactions and exchanges can make all of the difference for the continuance of their journey towards God. We have to notice who is there and then know. . . who is not.
Reaching
When we look around to notice who is missing, we then need to make an effort to reach out and let them know that they are missed. That can speak volumes to a soul searching for “more” in their life. That one act can make all of the difference in a person’s eternity. You never know, and it’s worth the effort. Advancement will not always be the case, but the outcome is not our responsibility, only the act of kindness to connect and show God’s love through personal care given.
Matthew 25:35-37, 40(ESV). . . For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. . . . (40) And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Remember that everyone you take the time to notice and reach out to, God notices as if it was done unto Him. Take more time to look around and see. . . . Who’s Missing?
Eternity Will Notice The Difference!