Friendship Class

Melanie sat in the back pew. She had limited speaking ability and relied on hand motions and facial gestures to communicate. As I was preaching one Sunday, I noticed the commotion as she left her seat, made her way to the aisle, and headed in my direction. Since she was short in stature, only the people seated near the center aisle could see her coming my way. Their eyes diverted in her direction with some measure of concern. Where is she going and what on earth is she doing? By the time she slowly made it to the front, she was visible to everyone. She gingerly climbed the three chancel steps and approached me. I stopped speaking, sensing the awkwardness of the moment. She extended her arms, hugged my leg, and left without a word. It was one of the sweetest moments I can ever recall in worship. She only wanted to give me a hug. That was all. Everyone smiled; some wept. While we often talk about what we can do in ministry for “these people,” this poignant moment reminded me of what people like Melanie can teach me. She and others like her in a “Friendship Class” of intellectually challenged adults taught me the value of simple, trusting faith. Many of us overthink God and become caught up in our heads. Melanie brought me back to the importance of childlike trust in God’s love. She and others in the class were never shy about expressing their fluctuating emotions. While we hide our vulnerabilities, theirs were plain for us to see. Her gesture reminded me of Jesus’ answer to the greatest commandment question, “You shall love the Lord your Good with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Mt. 22.38). Paul summarized his famous love chapter, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor. 13.13). Today’s prayer was included in an Advent devotional written by the Friendship Class based on their reading of Psalm 130.5-8: