3 of 12

Write now Article Tools

It was no coincidence that I would remember today to return a cassette tape I was given by an older lady in our church who wanted to share with me her memories of hearing my family sing together 20 years ago in another church. We share a history few others do, having been long-time members of both churches.

When I dropped my son off in the 2's & 3's Sunday School class, the subject of choir came up and I expressed a poor attitude about the director not trusting anyone to sing solos other than the ones he's handpicked. Then, halfway down the hall toward the church service, I ran into an usher who asked if I would be singing this morning in place of a woman who'd gotten ill. I rolled my eyes since both of us knew he was kidding me. I disclosed my irritation at the opportunity to sing in the evening service as a new person who's not trusted with a morning service solo yet. I took another trip down memory lane to tell him of the days I sang so frequently with my dad and sisters in front of church. A fellow usher standing by shared this history with me as he'd also attended the other church, and smiled in quiet sympathy. That either of these conversations took place today was not a coincidence.

I served in the choir this morning, singing "In the Cross Alone I Glory", and watched a trio sing sweetly of the sacrifice He made on our behalf. Although it was beautifully expressed, I found enough tiny flaws to support my case that I should be up there at least every once in a while.

When I sat down next to my husband for the sermon, I had no idea the Holy Spirit would strike a chord in my heart so deeply. The pastor told of David running from the Philistines. He and his men stopped just outside of Bethlehem to rest, and under his breath, David said he wished he could have a drink from the well in town, the town he grew up in. Three of his men overheard this wish and went dangerously into town to retrieve a sack of water from the well. When they returned, David chose not to drink the water, but instead to pour it out as an offering to God. Just as in other passages, he could not sacrifice that which cost him nothing. This moment when he was parched with thirst became the perfect opportunity to offer a sacrifice to the Lord. His men respected David, despite having risked their lives to get the water, and worshiped the Lord along with him. The pastor suggested there was something we may be refusing to give up. While he offered examples of loved ones going into the ministry

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Personal experiences with music?
We want to hear your view. Write now!