Yesterday when I woke up, I began to reflect on a single question. It haunted me every step I took from the moment my foot hit the ground. It followed me to the two morning services at ROCKHARBOR Fullerton. I ignored it while I studied in the afternoon; then at the 7pm service I couldn’t get the nagging question out of my head.

“How do you love the bride of Christ (the Church)?”

Maybe, before you can answer that question you need to ask - do you love the bride?

I ask this, because yesterday was a day of self-sacrifice - of dying first. It was a normal Sunday for myself, yet, it is one where I was haunted by this question. I would have rather slept then attend the morning services and serve the Bride like I do every Sunday morning. I wanted to choose my bed, over the Bride.

Every Sunday morning, I do not do the flashy service. There is no reward or pat on the back. There is no glamor, in a way this makes me glad. It happens at all three services. Sometimes people notice you and smile, other times they just ignore you. Yet, at the 9, 11 and 7, I lead the parking team. 

See, our parking lot is impacted. It can become utter chaos - a merry-go-round - with cars just driving aimlessly. So, there’s a team of us who make it easy for our people to park - stress free - so they can gather together with the Saints and worship. It is nothing special. It is something which must be done.

I love the Bride.

I park cars.

I did not set out for this eight months ago. There was a hole and a need.

I love the Bride.

So I filled the hole.

Days like this Sunday beat me. There is no applause (I am thankful for that). At times, it is very, very tiring. By the time the last service comes around, I would rather not park cars. I want to sit through an entire service, be at home sleeping or hanging out in community.

I love the Bride.

So I sacrifice. I die first and surrender my desires for the sake of the Bride.

I park cars. Glamorous, I know. Then, after they are all parked, I joyfully exit into the background and find a seat on the floor or in the back room.

I love the Bride. This is how I show it.

So I ask again, how do you love the Bride?