as you are

Last night was a night I hope to never forget. One Tuesday out of every month, my parents along with four or five others from my home church provide a message and a little music for the patients in the chapel of a local hospital for the mentally ill. Yesterday, Cameron & I decided to go because we had never been, and what else did we have to do? With mom and dad in the front, we piled in the back seat with dad's guitar between us--just like we had done on a weekly basis before riding anywhere with your parents went out of style.

Honestly, my expectations were very, very low. It came as no shock to me when we walked up the steps to the chapel to find the doors locked and nobody in sight. Gradually, the place livened up and twenty minutes after the starting time, all of us from my home church stood up front, singing "Joy to the World" as patients trickled in. I stood, looking down the aisle, trying to soak in the moment, watching the people come choose seats and begin to sing along. I could not help but smile as I noticed several of their countenances completely transform as they joined in with the familiar songs.

Next came a time for "celebrations." To my surprise, seven or eight patients stood up to speak. (We rarely have more than one person share at my home church!) The majority expressed (one even shared in the form of song) great thanksgiving for the many ways God has blessed them: enough money to go to the snack machine, friends in the hospital, Christ's grace for their mistakes, and the fact they were still alive. At several occasions, I think we all feared that things were slipping out of control. (However, I think I like the idea of worship being out of control.) The last one was my favorite. He was a thin, dark-haired 20-year-old, wearing sweatpants and a white T-shirt. Speaking in a shaky voice, he stood and said, "For the first time in my life, I want to say 'Thank you, God.'"

Our church pastor gave a brief message focusing on the fact that the shepherds, the lowest of the low, were the first to receive word that Jesus had been born. His point was, Jesus came for the poor, not the rich. The sick, not the well. "Jesus invites us all to come just as we are." Looking around, I realized that the congregation last night already reflected this teaching. Twenty or so mentally ill patients sat in the pews, and they had all come by choice. This just blew me away. Even in their sickness, they still were seeking something more. They each came to that chapel last night searching for something they had failed to find anywhere else. No matter the condition of their minds, their hearts are still identical to mine--made by and for a Savior. It did not take me long to see that for many of these people, the hope of a life after this one is the only thing they ever have to look forward to.

Hmm, come as you are...

Now it was time for communion. Cameron leaned over, "This should be interesting." I must confess that communion is one of my absolute favorite things, although I cannot exactly pinpoint why. That being said, I was extremely excited to be sitting on the front row where I could closely watch everyone receive the elements. With the pastor's invitation, the patients in the front few rows eagerly jumped up to participate. Gradually, each of the people present made their way down the aisle to the front, even those seated in the very back. It was obvious some had never received communion before. (I question whether some had even stepped foot in a church.) However, one gentleman was more baffled than the others. He was handed a piece of bread and a quizzical look overcame his face. One of the servers whispered, "Eat the bread." He ate. When handed the communion-sized cup of juice, the same look. Another server, "Now, drink the juice." He tipped his head back and drank. Behind me, I heard a man softly say, "in remembrance of Me." What a beautiful moment. And what a great reminder. Jesus did it all. Eat and drink. That is all we have to do. We will understand everything one day as our faith will be made sight. For now, just receive. Everyone. As you are.

Lastly, I have never in my life seen so much genuine excitement for the day of Christ's return. When mentioned, patients shouted in excitement. And after the conclusion of the service, I even heard several discussing their thoughts on His return. Anyways, luckily for me, I have been spending some time in Revelation recently. The entire night, I could not shake the vision of worshiping with them again one day. A day where we all have new, complete bodies and the worship is, simply put, out of control.