24-May-2005

WELCOME to Mark's Ark.  We're going to start this edition with a Question and
Answer session with imaginary readers.

QUESTION ONE:  In the first issue of Mark's Ark, you claimed that you think
that God wants you to do something for Him with your writing, although you
haven't figured out quite what it is.  You also stated a goal of sending out a newsletter on the first and fifteenth of each month.  Aren't you therefore disappointing God by sending this out over a week late?
ANSWER:  Um, yes.

QUESTION TWO:  Are you the guy I saw back his car into his wife's minivan in
front of his house on Saturday?  What could you possibly
ANSWER:  Sorry!  I'm afraid that's all the time we have for reader questions
this time.  If any of you have things you'd like to ask Mark's Ark, please
send them along.

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AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS

I was looking through a photo album earlier this month and came across one of my favorite pictures.  I took this picture following our son's kindergarten "graduation" ceremony last year.  He attends a Christian school that uses our church building for the elementary grades, and the ceremony took place in our sanctuary.  Afterward, I took a picture of him standing on the steps leading up to the pulpit.  Over his shoulder in the picture is the large cross that is located above our baptismal pool and choir loft.  When I first took the picture I was proud of how I positioned him to include the cross in the background. I thought it looked neat and served as a reminder of the reason we send him to that particular school.  As I looked at the photo I started thinking.

A lot of important things in my life have taken place at the foot of that particular cross.  It's where I stood when I first joined the church.  It's where Laura and I stood when we were married.  It's where both of our children were dedicated to God as babies.

At the foot of that cross I have watched lifelong friends join our church.  I have watched young and old stand to tell the world that they are now Christians.  Just yesterday I watched the baptism of a boy that I have enjoyed coaching in soccer and basketball leagues.

At the foot of that cross our Pastor has presented God's word to challenge and inspire me.  Along the way I have laughed a lot and have occasionally gotten something in my eye that caused it to water a little, in a manly way.

At the foot of that cross I have listened to singers and musicians produce beautiful music by applying their hard work to the talent God gave them.  Our Music Minister has lead choirs, orchestras, and the congregation in song.  Our "Senior Choir" (which includes my father-in-law) has reminded us of the value of some classic hymns. The choir from the African-American church with whom we have a partnership has shaken our foundation with such exuberance that only my own self-consciousness prevented me from running up there to join them.

At the foot of that cross a friend of mine once made an announcement as the character Forrest Gump.  Come to think of it, our Pastor also does a Forrest Gump impersonation occasionally.  That's all I've got to say about that.

At the foot of that cross I have enjoyed dozens of drama skits, Easter pageants, and Christmas concerts.  I was ordained as a deacon.  I've watched my son's choir sing and will eventually see my daughter's do the same.  Maybe I'll get to walk her down the aisle to that same spot I stood ten years ago. Because I don't plan on leaving this city, I suppose at some point there's a very good chance my coffin will rest there at my funeral.

All of these events have taken or will take place at the foot of the cross. God, why do I so easily forget to live the rest of my life there, too?