Reflecting

This morning the historic sanctuary of a church in my city burned.  It wasn’t my church, but it was a church that I have sung in many times, a church where my choir has rehearsed and performed, and it was an exceptionally beautiful sanctuary, my favorite of all the churches I’ve been in throughout the city.  The pews were curved, refinished, unique  The ceiling was tall and gothic.  The organ was beautiful.  And there were gigantic majestic stained glass windows that were absolutely stunning.  It was truly an inspiring place to sit, and to sing in.

It’s such a loss, this building built in 1906, or something like that, and has stood for 110 years.  I know that church is really the people, not the building; it’s really the community, but still.  That building deserves to be mourned for just a little bit.  I hate fire.  It has always scared me, ever since I was a little girl.  The pictures of this church burning, orange glow in the sanctuary, smoke billowing out of the bell towers and the roof and the cracks in the doors, the beautiful stained glass shattered, firemen aiming huge streams of water inside, soaking the grand piano, the organ, these pictures make me feel a little sick.

Thankfully no one was hurt in the fire, and I know for all the sadness so many are feeling, there are so many people helping and comforting and that the people in the congregation are already working on plans for worshipping at a temporary place this weekend.  And I know God is a God of grace, and a God who works for good in all circumstances.