In the shadow of your wings...

These past days have been a complete blur. They have been filled with joy, laughing, praying, worshiping, leading, planning, sermonating, listening, arguing, contemplating, giving, and loving, to list a few.

For some reason though, even with ALL of the services, said prayers, hymns sung, and hands shook, I have had a hard time concentrating on why this week has been so busy. Worship just isn't the same when you are helping lead and trying to figure out how we can do things better. Ministry is great, but it changes things drastically when you are viewed mostly as the "giver" and rarely on the receiving end of things. Church life is good and I love working with people, but it is still work.

(I had one pastor tell me today he has only attended one Easter service with his family in over 40 years. Talk about sad. I hope I never, ever, live out that aspect of ministry.)

I have understood this part of Christian public leadership for awhile, but it was hard to be reminded of it this week. Holy Week will never be the same again.

Nonetheless, I was proactive tonight. Surprised? Me too. Instead of questioning my call again and waking people up with my late night phone calls, I found a (temporary) solution.

I remember fondly our Wednesday chapel services at Gustavus. We would sing a beautiful setting of prayer. I would plan my schedule accordingly so I wouldn't miss it. Tonight I found a podcast of it and was able to sing through my own service.

I love technology...and the opportunity to worship when I'm not in charge. I miss it very much, but I think it's a good thing to miss, don't you?

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Peace be with you--
HGJ