Sunday, September 16, 2012

Volunteer appreciation month

I'm going to be in a video. No, not that kind of video. Of all the things, I might be in a video for volunteer appreciation month at Lakewood church. And all I had to do was show up, which I do each Sunday with my daughter since moving back to Houston. I didn't audition, I didn't sign up. We were literally walking in the door, and a tall, handsom man opened the door and very quickly explained that he was filming a video for volunteer appreciation month and could I please just walk in and take the program/pamphlet from the greeter. Let me explain something: this church is enormous, and every week, hundreds of volunteers assist with the general functions of the services. They hand out programs as they greet the parishioners, they serve as deacons, they sing in the choir. There are probably a myriad other positions they fill in order for church to operate successfully. I replied, "sure," and went inside. The woman said "Good morning," as she handed me a pamphlet, and I replied in kind. Then she said "God bless you," and I said, "God bless you, as well." Then Daphne and I went up the stairs. Now, I have met with Joel Osteen twice now, both times very briefly, succinctly speaking about the situations his ministry has, and would, see me through. He knew that I would be driving across the country to deal with family issues in Boston. I know he told Victoria about my prior relationship problems with my daughter's father, because she addressed the topic of women being mistreated before the offering collection several weeks after I spoke with her husband for the first time. And all I can think to myself is that Joel is going to see me on tape and be beside himself, because honestly there are THOUSANDS of people who attend his services. Actually, if he does see it, I am going to be the one beside myself. And I am stating all this with the utmost humility and reverence to God, and thanking Him for all the remarkable events and occurrences that happen in my life.