Dear Harpeth Hills,

“I am over 2020.”

This text message summed up my thoughts yesterday afternoon. We were debating whether to have our two outdoor services at church. At first we thought we could pull it off, but the eventual decision was no. The back lot at the church was under water, parts of the city had flooded, roads were closed, and the chance of rain at 5pm kept going up.

This is the second major children’s event altered or canceled in three weeks. Two weeks ago our back to school blessing was rained out. Then last night.

180 registered for our first family-friendly worship service. We’ve not had 180 together at one time for a church event since March. It was going to be great. Oh, wait. . .

This kind of feels like when you were a kid and your baseball game got rained out. You had new cleats and had practiced your swing in the backyard for an hour. It was all you could think about for two days. When your mom told you the game was canceled, tears came to your eyes. In frustration you tossed your glove at your little sister, she fake cried, and you got a spanking. The day had started out with such promise.

“There will be other games,” Mom said.

It turns out Mom was right. There were other games, and there will be other nights for family worship. Won’t it be nice when we do get together?

The extended forecast for next Sunday. Sunny, high of 76, with only a 10% chance of rain. The low is 50, so you might need a sweater.

Hang in there.

I love you.

—Chris Smith