The Annual Church Hayride and Picnic

Last night I attended our church's annual hayride and picnic. Every Fall, our congregation gathers at a farm owned by two of our church members, David and Barbara Lance, to eat great food, ride on a hay covered trailer through the orchard and fields, roast s'mores around the campfire, toss footballs and frisbees with the kids, and share good conversation. David and Barbara always work hard to make sure everything is in order for a perfect evening. Last night was no exception. Joe Stewart also makes sure we are ready for a great hayride by providing the tractor, trailer, and hay. Along with their hard work and hospitality, God provided beautiful weather.

The annual hayride and picnic is one of my favorite events at Calhoun First UMC. Fall is my favorite season of the year, and there is nothing better than being in a beautiful setting where the leaves are changing and the air is crisp and clean. But what I enjoy most about this event is that it is one of the few events we have each year when the church truly feels like a family. People who don't necessarily know each other meet, talk, and share food (kind of like a large family reunion). Toddlers and babies who are usually in the nursery during worship are out running around the fields where everyone can play with them and share in the joy of their laughter and smiles. The staff members, myself included, who usually don't have much interaction with the teenagers are able to ride on the hayride with them, joke with them, and share in their lighthearted conversations. Connections are made with friends who haven't had a chance to talk in awhile.

At the end of last night's gathering, when the sun was beginning to set and the campfire was smoldering, I didn't want it to end. As I watched the children burn marshmallows over the fire, I whispered a word of thanksgiving to God and wished in my heart that time could somehow be extended for just a few moments more.

We often wonder what Heaven will be like. Maybe Heaven will mirror the warmth and excitement of the annual church hayride and picnic where everyone is free to run in God's Creation without care and everyone is family...where we feel completely at-home in a place that hasn't been our home and people we haven't considered as family members are our closest relatives. And best of all...the sun will not set on that gathering, newcomers will always be welcomed, and the joy and laughter of children will fill every heart. I look forward to that day, and I thank Jesus for the opportunity to be there.