Things that Edify

It's been a long time since I added anything to this blog. Life has been crazy: the new job, relationships, life in general. I had a couple experiences over these last couple of days that I thought I would share.

Last night, we had a practice for our "Spirit and Life" Choir. This is a new choir I started in response to requests for a more spirit-filled music repotoire. This is partly the old youth choir here at the parish along with a new band and me at the helm. My team has been phenomenal in this adventure. Anyway, we had a pretty low turn out for practice, but those that were here had great passion for the worship and the music. The last song we were practicing was "Steal Away," an acapella African-American spiritual I've used in several churches along the way. It took us a while to learn the harmonies and the verses and to decide who was singing what part, etc. Once we got the right blend, I was blown away. It was like we couldn't sing it enough. To see the smiles on everyone's faces just sent chills down my spine. You know, sometimes, I wonder if I'm really doing the right thing here, but I had no doubt last night. I went home with the biggest smile on my face, and I am still on that high.

This morning, our school kids had a prayer service instead of our usual mass. With Father Attila being gone on vacation and Deacon Ed tied up, the responsibility fell to me to plan and execute the prayer service. I chose to have a prayer service for the healing of our nation in times of tragedy. With the anniversary of 9/11 so close, and our own fire in the school still fresh in our minds, I thought it was appropriate. I think it went so well. Mrs. Vanhoosier, our principal, agreed to do the reflection after our scripture readings, which was very nice. Everything seemed to mesh so well, I was again on cloud nine.

My office is on the second floor of the church with my large window looking out into the worship space. I was sitting at my desk working on four new prayer services I am going to offer the parish when I looked out and saw a young girl walking up to the altar. I am used to seeing children in the church during the day running about as their parents are here for one reason or another. This time, the family was here to get their pictures taken for our parish photobook. Well, this little girl, no more than three or four years old stopped before getting to the steps leading up, folded her hands and bowed before going up to the ambo (pulpit). I was amazed. I tend to forget to do that myself, but here was this young girl showing such respect. I watched carefully as she stood behind the ambo for a short time and then left the sanctuary. She again stopped and bowed on her way out. It was more than cute, it was awesome in the most profound meaning of the word.

What can I take from these experiences? Our God is an Awesome God, so says the contemporary song writer. In times when I feel stressed and maybe a little lost in my life, God is right there telling me that I am not alone. Sometimes, it takes a few things to really wake me up. I feel like I can live better, love better, and simply BE better. It wont last forever, but this feeling is how I want to feel forever. With God's help and the help of those close to me, maybe I can feel this again soon.