One of my favorite moments of the week is Sunday morning church. This past week, our community churches hosted church at the county fair. For our family, it is complete chaos to get to church. But usually in the midst of chaos, I find 30-90 seconds of complete serenity and peace. I crave that peace in my life. I can’t expect more than a minute of peace in church at this stage of our lives. We are chasing kids, trying to get them to fold their hands during prayers and feeding them a lot of fruit snacks to stay quiet. But just those few moments of serenity, I feel inner peace that renews me for the upcoming week.
This particular past Sunday at the fair was miserably hot. As in deep South, miserable hot and sticky and unheard of humidity for the prairie. It would have been easier in my mind to stay home. It helps hugely that my husband is a big supporter us all going to church as a family and we work together to get ourselves organized and out the door.
There were only two fans running in the fair building but at least we were in the shade and not in the hot, sunny grand stands.
Miraculously, the girls were subdued a bit by the heat. Miss A sat in Uncle Robbie’s lap who was visiting for the weekend.
Next to us was our friend’s new baby girl, Karissa Jane and her daddy was preaching. She napped through the whole service.
I was hot.
I was distracted.
I was dreaming of swimming instead of my spirituality.
I took some pictures to document the service.
I wasn’t tuned in. I wasn’t seeking serenity or peace.
I wanted to be in my air conditioned house.
Then the offering started and a song was being played. Two locals who perform blue grass and country music at area festivals started to sing, “Amazing Grace”
Our teenage son helped “pass the plate” which was an old ice cream bucket.
Two friends listened in with Miss E (in the middle).
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
‘Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
When we’ve been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’ve first begun.
A 17 year old country girl and a “nearly 90 year old” (his words) cowboy gave me serenity and peace from an old hymn written well over 200 years old in the midst of dripping humidity and brutal heat.
I was rejuvenated through Amazing Grace, surrounded by my family and friends, at the county fair.
Sometimes you’ll find peace in the most unsuspecting places.
What’s a moment recently that you found an unsuspecting surprise? Maybe it was a moment of peace?
that is so neat.
love the ice cream bucket ‘plate’. 😉
Nice to see that older cowboy and younger lady singing together.
great post katie! thanks for being transparent, amazing grace is such a great song!
Love your post Katie!
My home county fair has a vespers service on Sunday night before the fair starts. I know all too well how hot and humid those serveices can be. Thanks for sharing the lyrics to that song it definitely added some peace to my day!
Love the photo of Miss E at the edge of the stage…thanks so much for sharing.
I love that hymn…and it was one of my Grandma’s favorites. Thank you for including us in such a special moment!
This is so neat!!
Katie- This is one of my all time favorite songs. I find myself singing it at various (and sometimes strange!) times. My horse knows it well as I am known to burst into this sing as we ride…
Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment! Best of luck to you in the heat—we are very hot in Nebraska as well.
All the best,
Anne Burkholder
“Feed Yard Foodie”