On Sunday, one of my fellow Adult Sunday School teachers shared with me a verse that he felt was a good one for teachers from Nehemiah 8:8: "They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage." This was a good complement to Ezra 7:9b,10, which we had just studied in class: "The gracious hand of his God was on him. For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel."
As I was sitting through a concert Sunday evening; it was pretty clearly evident who was truly praising and worshiping God versus just performing or going through the motions. I really think that for people in music ministry, their heart for God and attitude of worship affect their effectiveness in leading others to worship. Granted, sometimes worship is also affected by the attitude of the worshiper; but the worship leader does also make a big difference. For even if a person is distracted, they can be drawn into the worship; and then may even be touched more deeply, because it was unexpected.
Also, one of the violinists had striking good looks. It made me think back to my prior contemplations on the subject of beauty. True beauty does come as a reflection of our Creator, and is thus not external or physical. Yet, it is undeniable that physical attractiveness has an advantage in culture. God created me as I am, and I am grateful; for, I do think I may not have been as diligent in cultivating my spiritual and intellectual abilities had I more looks to rely upon. Still, sometimes we wistfully wonder what it would be like to be absolutely beautiful; and it was funny that when I came home from the concert, that evening on television was the Miss America pageant. Yet, one thing is clear, physical beauty is temporal and fleeting. No matter what, it is more important to cultivate what will last, particularly what will make a difference in the eternal perspective.
My friend also had her baby shower on Sunday. One of the women who helped organize the shower was very artsy-crafty; and the nice little "fru-fru" touches she added were beautifully done. Having had put together one of my friend's previous baby showers and helping with her bridal shower; it was a little strange not being more involved with this one. Yet, it was nice to be able to just go. At the shower, I was asked to say a few impromptu words for the expectant couple. As I am not given to public speaking, I hope that I was able to adequately express my love for them and blessings for the baby to come.
Last night, I went to help with the AV for a womens' ministry appreciation event. It was nicely decorated; and like the baby shower, some of the "fru-fru" details were very beautifully done. While I consider myself fairly well-balanced, and can decorate, host, entertain, etc; it was just so clear to me how different I am and why I don't often go to womens' ministry functions. It made me wonder if that is a factor in my "thorn". Something to continue to ponder. Although, interestingly enough, the person that I most related to the whole evening was the other person who was helping with AV, on the sound board, and he was a guy. He is getting married in a couple of months; and it made me think more about my "thorn". There is much I don't understand, but this I know, my "thorn" is still on the altar of my life, offered to God. I trust Him to know what is best for me; and I am grateful that through it, I have learned that "His Grace is sufficient for me."
Another thing about the womens' ministry event. For the AV, I wasn't required to do very much; and part of me almost felt like I wasn't very useful and that almost anyone could've done it. But, realistically, that's not so true since it does require some understanding of the systems; and I should just be glad that I was able to help out, for they needed someone to do it even if it was not much. In some ways, it is analogous to a drummer or percussionist in a long orchestral piece that only needs to play maybe one or two beats in the whole piece. No matter how little that percussionist plays, those few beats are still important to the music as a whole and was still needed.
There is a song that I heard on the radio a few times, but I still haven't been able to determine the title or the artist. What caught my attention was the first few lines, which essentially talked about feeling somewhat overwhelmed by troubles; and then, when the chorus started, it just really hit home. The main line I remember from the chorus is "I am not alone". It made me think back to when I was feeling like "Atlas"; but, I came to the same conclusion, that I am not carrying all my responsibilities on my shoulders all by myself, even though it often feels like it; but, that God is always with me. Praise God who is Immanuel, God with us. Amen.
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