Not the building.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

As I left her house, the children were cheering and waving, "Goodbye! Thanks for coming! See you later! Byyyyye!..."

If I think about the parallel for too long, little dew droplets well up on my eyelids, but the picture is too real to be ignored. In a throne room, so close to the king and too holy for here, they cheer and they watch and they wait. The cloud of witnesses. The ones who have gone before us. The ones who had a short stay here on earth. The ones who departed before their flesh could breathe a just-birthed-breath. They surround us with the anticipation that on "that day" we will be united. A beautiful cheer, encouragement, selfless prayers of the saints, belt out a blissful tune as their hearts beat in unison for the church.

Not the building. The people.

You are not alone. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are surrounded on each side by Father God and the Son and there is enough GRACE to keep you there. NOTHING can pull you away from that seat. The witnesses are applauding for you. He strengthens you.

And when you are weak, remember, He is still strong. And when your flesh is too loud in your ear, overcome the loud with the truth of who you are. And when your eyes are tired, remember the picture of the children. The cheering and waving and the shouting of your name. You. Can DO IT.

Because you were made for it.