Many months ago, when the Earth was still blanketed with snow and ice, we chose the theme “Bright and Beautiful” for the annual generosity campaign. We had no idea it would launch just as spring made its most gloriously bright and beautiful appearance in years. The azaleas, spirea, dogwoods, and pansies all seem to want a voice in proclaiming God’s splendor. On my drive home from the gym at sunrise today, the lime green canopy of trees on Gregory took my breath away.
As Dave and I look back on our years at Country Club Christian Church, we are filled with bright and beautiful memories. Not just the day our son Connor was dedicated or our daughter Karmen walked down the aisle to say, “I do,” but also the hilarious talent shows at Community Camp in Estes Park and the Habitat for Humanity House we dug a foundation for in Guatemala. In our quiet moments, when no one is listening, we often say to one another, “the talent and dedication in that congregation are simply amazing.” Or upon reflection of some bold act of compassion done by a member in private humility, Dave will say to me, “Now that’s a real Christian”.
No one’s life is easy all the time. Dave and I have had our own struggles with cancer, with learning to be married and raise a family, with finding that the month extends beyond the money. But never have we felt alone in those heartbreaks. With prayers, visits, casseroles, cards, and gifts of friendship, we have felt God’s bright and beautiful love sustaining us through the people who form this congregation we so love.
I have studied the Bible and read theology my whole life. But it is because of you that I know the reality of God’s love. You make it more than words and concepts. You put flesh on the faith. You serve the homeless supper. You visit the lonely widow in hospice. You teach the children. You sing and play bells. You make this broken world a bright and beautiful reflection of God’s eternal love.
When it comes time each Spring to fill out a commitment card, Dave and I fill ours out with joy, because we cannot really imagine how life would have been so bright and beautiful, without you.
