How Do You Get Ready?

After a couple of forgetful moments at home this week, I found myself having one of "those" car conversations with my girls on the way to school this week. The question was simple: "How do you get ready?" Of course, it's a question with answers as unique as they come - every situation, every person being different. Still the question is an important one. It's important because in answering it we not only prepare for what is to come, but we also have the opportunity to unearth the reason for our preparation, or lack thereof. And so I ask you, "How do you get ready..."

* ...for work/school in the morning?
* ...for an evening with friends?
* ...for a "mandatory" meeting?
* ...for family coming for a visit?
* ...for worship on Sunday morning?

Is your preparation on Sunday morning limited to a hurried rush to get out the door? Do you spend your time trying to convince yourself that getting up is better than sleeping in? Or maybe your Sunday morning is so routine that no thought is necessary in getting ready for worship.

How we get ready for our time together as a community of faith is directly connected to everyone's experience on Sunday morning.

At times we can prepare as spectators, whose primary role is one of listening and watching. We come with the expectation that we know (and like) the hymns. We come anticipating that the sermon will give us something to think about and that the service will last only an hour. At other times we prepare as laborers - as teachers, greeters, ushers, leaders, assistants, and the like. We have details to remember, responsibilities to meet and people to serve.

But what if we were neither spectators nor laborers? What if Sunday morning wasn't about a list of things to like or do, but an opportunity to receive and respond as a community? What if getting ready this week was not about rushing, waking up or even our tried and true routines, but instead expecting to encounter the risen Christ in our midst? What would it be like to receive and respond to everyone as though you are the risen Christ there for them?

Prepared to receive and respond - to participate as a community in the grace and forgiveness God so freely offers. This is our challenge. This is the Kingdom of God in our midst.