- Photo by Jessie Riley
You never know what a Middle School kid is going to say…or when they’ll say it.
I was standing in worship, lost in the adoration of our Savior. My eyes were closed. My hands were raised in surrender and praise. I began to weep as we sang Hillsong’s, “You came and rescued me. I want to be where You are…”
Then came the tap – a slight tug that jolted me from heaven’s gates.
A small camper was at my side.
Tapping my back.
Tugging my shirt.
I bent down, striving to hear his small voice over the singing and worship. I bowed low to hear him, assuming he had something very important to say, something so crucial it warranted the interruption of sacred worship.
I listened intently.
And God spoke to me (though I didn’t recognize His voice right away).
“Hey Poppa B,” he began, “In the boys’ restroom, in the second stall on the right when you come in, the toilet paper ran out. It was all gone, but I replaced it. I put on some new toilet paper so you wouldn’t have to.” Then he smiled. It wasn’t just a quick grin; it was one of those beaming, “I’m so happy I could help” smiles.
He just kept smiling at me – as happy as he could be.
I said, “Thank you. I’m proud of you. You did a good job.”
I wasn’t sure why he felt it necessary to tell me what he’d done as I was trying to worship, but I turned back to face the band and started singing again. That’s when God struck me with this thought: Worship is more than singing songs with your hands in the air. Worship is serving too.
God tugged on me with the hand of a 7th Grader.
God used a child to barge in and redirect me. God was willing to interrupt my praises with a tug on my sleeve and small voice. I remembered the proverb, “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”
So it’s ambidextrous worship I’m pursuing, with one hand lifted to God as I sing and the other busy with the tasks of devoted service (even if it means putting on a new roll of toilet paper).
Acts 10:35 - In every nation God has those who worship him and do good deeds and are acceptable to him.
AMEN TO THAT!
Posted by: DC Curry | July 15, 2009 at 03:37 AM
Awesome and inspiring blog. Thanks for sharing that moment!
Hope your day is the best day yet!
Posted by: Becky Hunter | July 15, 2009 at 06:47 AM
Thanks Mark! Like Elijah you see that God is in the STILL SMALL VOICE!
I Kings 13:11-13"And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a STILL SMALL VOICE. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?"
Posted by: James Kytta | July 15, 2009 at 08:34 AM
I love that story dad - what a great post and a great reminder!
Posted by: Amber Cox | July 15, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Wow always a lesson in something, thanks for the sharing and praising.
RW
Posted by: Ron Windbigler | July 15, 2009 at 12:03 PM
What a perspective! This made me cry. I will remember this always!
Posted by: Jennifer Prawat | July 15, 2009 at 12:21 PM
brilliant
Posted by: see-through faith | July 16, 2009 at 04:43 PM
this is so simple...yet these are the lessons that are hardest for me! Thanks for inspiring me to listen!
Posted by: Faith Stevens | July 23, 2009 at 10:40 AM