Empty

As our sanctuary is coming apart, new space is opened which is usually filled with pews, altar rails, tables with stuff on them for the ushers and communion.  The space is totally empty.  There’s something for me so theologically profound about that empty space.  It hints at concepts which are flying through my mind and heart: opening our hearts to hear God’s word; the empty manger in the Altar Nativity, waiting for the Christ Child on Christmas Eve; the openness that hits us when tragedy explodes our sense of security and we cling to God’s Word and each other; and the simple act of settling into prayer instead of reading the paper or calling someone up.  I want to wait there today, empty.  It feels right to take some time to wonder what comes next.  If feels good to just wait here for the moment.  Soon enough, we will be arranging chairs for church in the Gathering area, training the acolytes for the new temporary space, figuring out how to have coffee and worship in the same space.  Right now, I am just waiting.