Are You an Ernie?

This is a story told to me by my son Glen.  It was so eye opening that I had to share.  Glen and his family attend a large church in Florence, SC.  Hundreds in attendance each Sunday. So large that they met in the convention center till they had a church building of their own. Here’s his story.

Every Sunday when they pull into the church parking lot, there stands Ernie, directing traffic; smiling, chatting, and waving at everyone as he directs them to where they need to park. He’s so involved and interactive with his parking that kids roll down windows to yell a hello or others will toot their horn in greeting.  He’s been doing this for close to 15 years.  On this particular Sunday, Glen asked him why he parked cars all the time.  He looked at Glen with a puzzled look and said, “I don’t park cars… I park people.”  Ernie went on to say that every car had people and when they drove past he prayed for them.  “So, everyone has already been prayed for when they enter the building.  It’s what I CAN DO.”  Can you imagine what an impact that has on a body of believers? Most never know what Ernie is doing, but God knows.  Ephesians 2:10  For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

How many of us can say we are doing what we can, for our church and for God?  How many times have we made ourselves available to do the small things that keeps chaos from happening or at least controlled?  Ernie likes what he does and does it without complaint and with a smile on his face.  Many, I’m sure, take him for granted. Ernie does it anyway.  He has found a way to use his gift of organization and prayer to serve his church.  Can each of us say the same? 

There are 52 Sunday mornings, 52 Sunday evenings, and 52 Wednesday nights in a year.  That’s 156 opportunities to serve at church.  Have you found a way to serve your church and fellow believers? Look for, ask, find a way to have an impact.  It may be something as simple as opening a door and saying, “Good morning.  I’m so glad you’re here.”

There are many, many verses in the Bible that speak to the serving.  For now, may at least one of these speak to your heart.

Lord, guide each us in the true understanding of service.  Help each of us to find our gifts and talents and show us how we can use them to serve others as well as you.  Amen

Proverbs 11:25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Matthew 23:11-12 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Matthew 25:40  “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ “

Romans 12:13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Galatians 5:13-14  You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b]

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Hebrews 6:10  God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

On a side note, my daughter-in-law, who happens to be the children's director aat this church. She asked Abel and his friend to draw what they think about when they think about God.  Abel drew church and Mr. Ernie standing in the parking lot to welcome him and love him on the way in to church 😭 I loved that Ernie’s small obedience to pray in the parking lot has become an image of God to a kid 💚💚