A Divine Gift – The Sacred Seat

The renovations to the old church were now complete – updated heat and air conditioning, new sound system, better lighting, a new organ, and deep cleaning of the beautiful woodwork. This Sunday, the congregation would celebrate the completion of the project that was done over three years so the services would not be interrupted and each phase could be paid for in full so the little church would not be in debt.

So here it sits. One pew that had to be removed to make room for all the changes. I walked around it – my hand feeling each imperfection – thinking about those who had sat on this sacred seat over it’s 100 years of service to our Father. A baby being dedicated by proud parents – a young boy squirming during the ‘long’ preaching – young boys and girls preparing to be baptized – a couple starting to fall in love and holding hands – mothers crying as their children exchange vows of undying love – tears staining the wood as a family says it’s final goodbye to a loved one. This old pew deserves something better than to be hulled off as junk.

Suddenly, I had an idea – a wonderful, God-inspired idea. I made a phone call and before long, the old pew was on its way to it’s new life – a resurrection for this faithful servant.

Sunday, as I finished making the announcements, I looked up and smiled as I began to share my surprise.

“As you know, we had to remove one pew during our renovations. I just could not allow it to go to the dump. So, I called some of our deacons and today, we have a gift for you. The deacons cut the old pew into crosses that each of you will receive. Now, wherever you are, you will always have the church with you – for these crosses represent every pray lifted up by the Body of Christ.”