If These Pews Could Talk

December 1

A reflection written by Kit Allgood-Mellema in 2014 for St Peter's keys newsletter

ABUNDANT LIVING

If These Pews Could Talk

On a quiet morning before the eight o’clock service, I slip into a pew and sit alone in the sanctuary for a few moments. The sun streams golden through the windows and dust motes float in the air. I’m comfortable today, but the pew cushions have only been in place about 14 years; hard seats were the norm for over a century.

My eyes wander to the back of the pew in front of me – I smile when I see the patterns scratched deeply into the soft wood, a message from another person in another era. Other pews bear their own evidence of the years – stains from damp coats, edges worn down by legs pressed against them, water marks from a ceiling drip.

If only those pews could talk. They would tell us stories of warm sunny days and chilly winter evenings. They would tell of babies crying and babies sleeping, of children chattering and parents whispering, of restless little ones and adults dozing off. They would tell of simple holy services and services of high rites with vestments and incense and bells. Of the Word shared and heard.

They would tell of prayers and pleas, answered and unanswered, of thanksgivings and gratitude, of needs and wants. They would tell of hopes and dreams, of life discovered anew and calls found. Of vocations and ministries celebrated. They would tell of sickness and suffering and healing touch, of pain and hurt and comfort found. Of tears and laughter, of smiles and hugs, of handshakes and peace. Of contemplation and quiet moments. Of gatherings joyous and loud.

There would be stories of lives torn apart and lives made whole, of friendships forged, of bonds broken and relationships reconciled. Stories of love found, marriages made and anniversaries celebrated. Of growing families and empty nests. Of lives long and lives short. Stories of grief and loss and sorrow, and of life and love eternal.

We would hear of Advent wreathes and Jessie trees, Christmas pageants and Epiphany moments, of ashes and the discoveries of Lent, of Holy Week triumphs and trials. We would share the crushing hours of Good Friday and the utter joy of early Easter morn. We would hear of journeys and miracles and ordinary people in extraordinary times.

If these pews could talk, they would sing! They would sing songs of youth and songs of experience. Beautiful old hymns and vibrant praise music. If these pews could talk, the sanctuary would ring with songs of love and songs of life.

Take a seat. Shhhhh. Listen  .   .   .   .   .   .

Thanks be to God!

Peace - Kit Mellema

“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10