The Things We Do

A few Sundays ago I was in a rush. Imagine! We have a small team that has taken on various responsibilities to set up for our early worship service and at the last minute I realized I might be responsible for the communion elements, which in our congregation is a loaf of bread and grape juice. I rushed into the grocery store, vacillated over which type of bread to get (which usually means leaving with multiple types) when I really didn’t have the time to be indecisive. I hurried to the check-out lane and the cashier asked lightly, “Oh, are you getting ready for service?” “YYEEEESSS!” I said with great exasperation and slumping shoulders to accentuate the weight and critical standing of the mission. “Oh, that doesn’t sound very good.” She said rather disappointedly and sadly. I felt about two inches tall. “Are you in a rush?” she kindly offered as an excuse. “Yes! Yes! That’s all that’s wrong. I’m in a rush! Thank you and I hope you have a nice day!” Walking out to the car I thought that perhaps I might have a nice day once all of the tasks were behind me and I could go home and start my Sunday hibernation. After worship and Sunday School I started to drive home to start my nap, but realized I had left early enough that I could attend a worship service at another church whose praise band I had previously heard at a joint program. Perhaps this would erase the sustaining feeling of work not worship that I had started with that morning. Sometimes it can be so refreshing to go where there are no demands, no expectations, and no worry over details. Someone else has that covered. I knew the music would be first-rate, but it was also interesting to see their stage presentation with sweeping bolts of fabric and theater lighting. And while it was true that I was present without worry it was also true that I missed the gifts of participation and preparation. “There’s no place like home.”

My prayer for the congregation?

Blessed Jesus, how many times have you heard the objections of Marthas, who feel tired and worn from their self-appointed duties? How many times have you asked us to be still and remain in your presence? How many times have we missed your message because we were busy checking our lists and focusing on the next duty? How many times have we gotten enveloped in your Word instead of wrapped up in our own? Let us remember that it is not our works that create our faith, but that because of our faith and the grace of Your love that we cannot help but respond through acts of love. Let us keep the source of our faith in the purpose and execution of our actions. Let us never forget Grace as we labor, as we rest, when we taste exhaustion and when we long to do more. We know we can do more, because You love us so much more. Amen.