God did something amazing this weekend. He is always amazing, but I was open to receive His goodness this Sunday morning during church. I attend a small church with a big vision: A church that has not lost the feel of home, joy, acceptance, and rebirth. The message was simple, but was not told by the preacher. Rather, the congregation…God’s servants…became the message.

During an impromptu exercise folks were allowed to share their experiences and struggles. We were able to empathize and recognize our own pain by looking at the scars of others. In that moment, we were all ministers, servants, sinners, survivors, and children of God. I have yet to experience anything so beautiful with complete strangers. And yet, in that glimpse of humanity, we were anything but strangers. We were tourists making our way to His kingdom.

There is so much more going on than what we see. We never know the emotional layers people wear.  Each of us has a story, and not all the chapters are pretty. However, the final chapter is what unites us all. When I am going through the fire, either by my own foolish choices or due to events I have no control over, I arm myself with the sword of the spirit: Gen 50:20 says, “You intended to harm me but God intended it for good.” God will pull me through, He will lead me to victory, and He will set me on higher ground. I know in my heart that my final resting place will be His playground filled with daisies, haystacks, loved ones, and joyous singing. This is an invitation I have already accepted. I am just waiting patiently as a tourist for the ride to the party.