The Beauty of Scuffed Floors

I guess I’m not one of those pastors.

You know, the kind who gets frustrated when they see scuff marks on the floor or fingerprints on the glass. The kind who wants everything in the church building to stay pristine.

Instead, when I walk through our empty building in the middle of the week and notice the marks left behind, I don’t feel irritation—I feel inspired.

They told us a concrete floors would be pretty. They also warned us it would be easily scuffed. And wow… were they right. It scuffs easily.

But you know what? I love it.

Because every scuff represents a person who walked through these doors. Every mark was left by someone who showed up—someone who gave their time, their energy, their worship, or their search for hope.

Marks of Ministry

Today, I noticed a new circle of scuff marks, different from any I’d seen before. And it made me pause.

I imagined a couple of families standing there, laughing, connecting, and encouraging each other in life and faith. I pictured their little ones running around them—playing tag, tugging on mom’s arm, causing that wonderful mischief that kids always do in church lobbies. Like baby sharks circling their prey, just waiting for lunch.

I love it.

Or maybe those marks were left by our student ministry playing a game. Teenagers who either love coming to church or were dragged here by a friend or family member. But no matter why they came, they found themselves caught up in a joy they never expected to find in a church. Laughing, smiling, breaking free from the pressures of the world. Finally realizing they don’t have to be anything—because their God was everything for them.

I love it.

Or maybe our collegiate ministry left their mark. A table in the center, chairs pulled close, as they practiced their faith together—growing in community, diving into Bible study, and lifting each other up in prayer. They weren’t just preparing to be the church one day—they are the church today. They are growing, inspiring, and being inspired. They are the future and the present.

I love it.

What Really Matters

So no, I guess I’m not one of those pastors who worries too much about keeping the building perfect. I’ve been criticized for worse.

But today, as I walked through the building and saw those scuff marks, I was reminded of something important:

I’m grateful to be part of a church where things get used—even if that means they get a little used up.

Many blessings, my friends. Let’s remember what truly matters. And in case you forgot—what matters most is the gospel.