(April 1, 2008)
It's been 100 days since I last led musical worship at my home church (or any church, or anywhere outside my wife's hospital room, for that matter). For the past three months, I have been living in a hospital, as my wife awaits a double lung transplant and my micro-preemie daughter struggles to survive long enough to make it home with us.
The hospital is nearly 4 hours from home. I haven't been more than 40 minutes away from the hospital. I often think about our life and ministry back home, miss it more than words and can't wait to be back. I even find myself missing the things about the ministry that I once either tried to ignore or wanted to be completely rid of.
Here are a few things about my role as a worship leader that I will never take for granted again...
The old man who never seems to be satisfied.
The little girl who always asks for my autograph.
The musician who is always late.
The sound tech who is always early.
The unexpected change to the order of service.
The service that seems perfect.
The one guest who thinks they'll never be the same.
The one member who just doesn't get it.
The energy of Sunday morning.
The weariness of Sunday night.The sermon that seems to go a little long.
The song that seems to be a little short.
The job that I love to do.
The hat that I hate to wear.
The prayer that was definitely not coming from my lips.
The joke that didn't quite fly.
The guitar string that breaks during the first song.
The vocalist who nails the solo.
The stress of 8:45am (Sunday).
The contentment of 12:30pm.
If you're tempted, this Sunday, to take anything for granted, even the frustrating things, stop and consider that you have one of the greatest jobs and most privileged opportunities in leading others in worship of the One True God.
And, rock the house for me.
Thanks.
Nate
Wow! Thanks so much, Nate, for reminding me of how I take things for granted. God bless you and give you strength.
Posted by: princess | May 24, 2008 at 12:50 AM
You're a stud man. Keep strong.
Posted by: matt singleterry | April 03, 2008 at 01:07 PM
"And, rock the house for me."
Absolutely.
Posted by: Billy Chia | April 03, 2008 at 04:12 AM
Wow. I am sitting here at work fighting back tears with a huge lump in my throat.
We're playing "Shine" this weekend by Matt Redman and I am dedicating it to you and your beautiful family, Nate.
Grace and peace,
ECC
Posted by: Erik from Des Moines, IA | April 02, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Wow,
Thanks Nathan, for reminding me that even the annoying stuff can be a blessing from God, and that every minute with my family is a special gift.
Posted by: Shannon Byrd | April 02, 2008 at 02:46 AM