It’s amazing how often we forget to do things that we know are crucial. I’ve realized this in my teaching this week - assessment is a central aspect of teaching, yet I’ve basically been leaving it out of my planning and including it only as an afterthought.

The same is true in our church planting mission. One of the things we always said we’d do is have people over and get to know them. No agenda, no trick to pull out of our sleeves after X number of get-togethers. Just get to know people.

No one came to our Film & Spirituality gathering last night. We had put a lot into it in the way of flyers, invites, etc., so it was really disappointing, especially since the film (Jesus of Montreal, by Denys Arcand) was probably the best we’ve seen in our series.

Today at our team meeting, I didn’t feel any of the frustration or negativity that I’ve felt in the past when things aren’t going that great. We got some ideas going, spent some time in prayer, made some plans, talked about God, and has some good food and fellowship. I feel ready to tackle whatever work we have to do.

I’m reminded of an old hymn:

Roll back the curtain
Of memory now and then
Show me where you brought me from
And where I could have been

Remember, I’m human
And humans forget
So remind me, remind me
Dear Lord.

The same is probably true for the church - we once knew things that we have since forgotten, and need to be reminded of and re-awakened to.