Worship From Row Eight
It was a privilege all those years to preach.
But it’s a great privilege now to be at our assemblies without being the preacher. Sure, there are times I want to jump up and do something — like lead the Lord’s Prayer or say the blessing over a newborn — but it is wonderful to be right where I am by Diane and Chris.
I’m calmer, less distracted with responsibilities.
Yesterday when the elder asked us to open our hands during the prayer as a sign of receiving God’s grace, it was powerful. Then the words of the hymns (”no power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from his hand”) . . . the congregational readings . . . the deeply gospeled message (thanks, Wade!) . . . the prayers . . . communion (Psalm 32 and Squeaky’s words of mercy) . . . to the final benediction. I like being where I can hear my son singing . . . where I don’t have to worry about whether we’re “going long” . . . where I can join in the readings where it says “ALL.”
We definitely miss your voice up front…but I love that you’re still a part of us.
I know Diane & Chris are loving you sitting right there beside them, too…
Waiting patiently for my turn in row 8.
That’s wonderful. It’s a new time for you and God is still using you just differently. It sounds refreshing and full of renewal. Continue to enjoy.
I know what you mean. It’s a bit ironic how hard it is for preachers to worship.
It is rare that a preacher gets to enjoy the fruits of his labor on this earth.
And what better day to worship from row 8 than for yesterday’s worship time! It was another specially blessed day of absolute immersion in worship of the King, led by especially gifted children of the King.
Wade hit right square in the middle of my heart with new thoughts, or a fresh look at older thoughts. He’s yet another of your inspiring young Timothy’s, Mike.
Reminds me of Barbara Brown Taylor’s experience of “baptism” into the world when she is shoved into the pool at the church pool party. With her clothes plastered to her body and snot running down her face, she finally feels like one of everybody else.
Hmm. Tempting.
I preached for 30 years and resigned (a good resignation … could have stayed in Long Beach for another 15 years had I wanted to do so) about two and a half years ago. It’s very different on the other side of the pulpit, but a good difference. I heard you often at Pepperdine and Nashville Zoe conferences and always came away grateful to have been taught by you.