And as Jesus came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!”  And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” ~Mark 13:1-3

Dear Church Lady who rolled her eyes and then her window to let me  know that “this parking lot is for church functions only” as I laced up my running shoes,

Had you not then driven off and given me my 5 mile run to create my retort, here is what I would have said. Ma’am, I am a pastor in town.  While you can keep that edifice, parking lots are where I have seen the body of Christ actually function, and God do some amazing work. I have seen:

• men lift up prayers to be better fathers, husbands, bosses, employees, sons.
• men, who listening to the advice of their sponsors, are combating the urge to relapse by getting out for some fresh air and exercise.
• men who were going through divorces, diagnoses, doubts and depression find encouragement

Plus, just as you drove off

• a gang of millennials descended upon this lot to gather up and search for the elusive pokemon.

Imagine the functions of the church that are being lived out on this side of the street if you’d only parked your car. You could have helped those young men look for Someone more meaningful than a Pokemon, or prayed with me since you were just encouraged to forgive those who trespass against you, or brought not only the living water but also some real, cool water since it is so hot. So, ma’am you are right that this parking lot is for church functions and I am grateful every time I tread through this lot I realize I am on Holy ground and that Christ is using this place for His glory. But since I did not tell her this, I will ask you: what’s the thing you feel compelled to protect when you should start losing it for Christ’s sake?