At the Barn (09/14/2025)

Last evening, I and over a hundred men, women, and children gathered at a barn in Lake Mills for a delicious meal, conversations, prayer and a talk. We’d come to hear Bishop Donald Hying tell the story of his journey from a young boy to a bishop which was a blessing to hear and an encouragement to us all of the LORD’s presence to us along the way.

I arrived early with my three friends. Because of my age, the host had suggested I arrive early for a good parking space and a real chair in the barn. When we arrived, the smell of dinner was already in the air. The children were playing games in the grassy stretches that surrounded the barn while the adults milled about introducing themselves, connecting with old friends, and chatting.

At the appointed hour, the host announced that dinner was served. And we visitors began making our way through the line, meeting strangers and friends along the way. It wasn’t fast food; the journey was half of the experience. It amazed me how good the food tasted. Was it the food, the happy cooks, the mood of the barn, or the grace that was so real it was almost palpable?

We ate and we visited, and we flitted about greeting newcomers we knew and catching up. Community building was taking place even though it wasn’t listed anywhere on the program. It happened organically as individuals formed groups and started conversations in the barn, on the grass, in the lawn chairs, and at the tables. I looked around at one point and saw so many faces lit with joy.

Bishop gave his talk. It was inspiring, reminding us all of the LORD’s providence and loving presence throughout our own lives. We felt informed, we felt urged to conform ourselves to the LORD’s will, and we felt transformed into the living body of Christ at that place and at that time.

After the talk, as we were getting up to leave, people continued to introduce themselves and to begin new relationships. I believed as I watched and as I was drawn into a couple that these relationships were part of the LORD’s divine design. I pray that those relationships flourish and the good the LORD desires flows from them.

And as I sat on my porch last evening just before bed and pondered my day with the LORD, seeking to wring out every bit of goodness and wisdom He’d woven into my minutes, I thanked Him for the graced moments at the barn, for the relationships formed and for the relationships strengthened. I thanked Him for the graciousness and faith of the host family who not only gave us the place to use but set it up and prepared all the food. I thanked the LORD for those whom He’d sent there and for the cooperation of those who actually came. And I asked the LORD honestly, “How do You do it?”

It was just an old barn built in the 1800s set away on a corner in the middle of nowhere owned by a generous and faith-filled family who were open to using their time and their talent and resources for good. It was filled with people from miles around. And it made a difference in this world to everyone who was there. And I thought of another night centuries ago in a stable and I smiled. Can you see the trend?

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.