But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works. Psalm 73:28
St. Luke’s has been such a blessing to my family. When I first started as the St. Luke’s Children Center Director 11 years ago, my spiritual life was in disarray. Although being the Director was something I knew how to do, being at a church was a different experience for me. Corporate childcare was what I had been in since the beginning of my childcare journey.
Fast-forward to December and Christmas time was upon us, decorations were all around the church, and the parents brought in lots of treats and gifts. The center was open a half day on Christmas Eve and services were in the afternoon. I was asked to help with nursery supervision, so I stayed to help. I decided when the early service was over to attend the later service. I had never been to a Christmas Eve service, but had always wanted to be a part of such a special night. My children were with their father, so it was just me.
As I sat in the Sanctuary that night, it was an amazing experience. I enjoyed the music so much and listening to the hymns of Christmas was so moving. When Dr. Long brought the message, I felt a peace in my soul that I had never felt before. When the final hymn Silent Night was sung and all the candles were lit, it brought tears to my eyes. I knew on that day God was telling me this is where I needed to be and this was my Church home and family.
Eleven years later and four Childcare Centers, I know this is my church family and St. Luke’s is where I am supposed to be! I now know I will never miss a Christmas service and now my family attends with me. This Christmas Eve will be extra special – we will be celebrating in our new Edmond campus.
Gabrielle Moon, Executive Director of the Children’s Center
