It was one of those Sundays.
- I lost my focus and then my place, stumbling over words I’ve spoken dozens of times introducing a baptism.
- The organ got stuck on a note right in the middle of a hymn.
- The microphones popped and rung throughout the service, with a little feedback tossed in.
- Most of the kids wouldn’t come up for the children’s sermon.
- My sermon, though well-prepared and practiced, just didn’t inspire. (I wasn’t even inspired.)
Yeah, it was one of those Sundays.
Of course, every other church gathered for a smooth, inspirational and flawless worship experience. They always do. At least, that’s what they (my heart and soul) tell me.
The reality?
- A beautiful little girl was baptized and welcomed into the church.
- A whole bunch of her non-churched family and friends clearly heard the gospel, some for the first time.
- We all feasted on God’s grace at the Lord’s Supper.
- We got to meet Zac, Emma and Sophia (Zac is my nephew, a second year seminarian at Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN who our church supports.)
- There is another Sunday on the way. I’ll get another chance. I always get another chance.
That’s grace. And it’s free. So I think I’ll talk them (my heart and soul) into camping out there for a while.
Waite for it... 