Tender

Tender

Theology in the Trenches

by Kathleen Kjolhaug

The check rendered did not return void. The tender utilized proved to be of the highest value. Authenticated by the words spoken, this was no counterfeit piece. It proved to be worth a million. Mere words they were, but there was nothing mere about them.

It was Sunday afternoon and the church was being readied for Christmas. Trees were being assembled, lights hung and strung while music blasted in the background. Wreaths pulled from storage were straightened while ribbons and bows were re-centered. A mish-mash of hodge-podge was creating a whirlwind of activity. Yet, in the midst of it all, stood a solo parishioner asking a question with astute reverence.

“So, who lit the Advent candle in church this morning?”

The questioner was unable to make it to the service and had genuinely cared to hear who it was that had received the honor of lighting the first Advent candle for the season.

“Naomi,” the voices echoed in unison from those surrounding her.

With the release of an awe-inspiring breath, she exhaled as if inhaling and paused. “Naomi!” she repeated.

As if replaying it all first hand, she received the gift tenderly. It blessed her. And so it goes, the simplicity of authenticity lived out…simple like. The music continued to play, the trees continued to grow ornaments, the garland was hung, and the trimming went deep. The eclectic group was on a mission, and as the sanctuary became transformed, so did the renewing of hearts gathered.

It was the first gift of Christmas. Like a check that had been written for cash, for tender, I observed her tending the flock to which she belonged. Soon, without any bell rung or whistle blown, we managed to gather round a table as coffee was passed and goodies retrieved for more filling. A litany of questions asked round robin, more updates on prayer given, and as all dispersed, one remained. Into the basement they stepped and into the quiet of the early evening serving continued as remaining dishes were cleaned up and put away. Quiet caregivers…quietly and tenderly tending…and so it goes.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).  Amen.