Different Why

Perhaps you’ve noticed I’ve been absent. Perhaps not. Call it writers block. Call it lazy. Call it whatever you wish, but I just haven’t been able to write over the past several weeks.

Watch out world, that’s about to change.

On May 24th, I had surgery on my right foot. I will share some stories about that in the coming days, but today it’s only a contextual item. There was no way I could go to church last Sunday, between pain and weakness, I just couldn’t do it.

I went this morning. Did the whole get-up-get-dressed-fix-your-hair-put-in-contacts thing.

That’s not such a big surprise, really. I’ve had surgeries before and as soon as was reasonable, I’ve been back in the pew or chair, because, of course, that’s what committed Christians do.

If you’re really a believer…

If you’re really a follower…

If you’re really a Christian…

Today, the “why” was different. And the funny thing is, I didn’t realize it until the first chorus of the first praise song began.

As I sang the words, “Who am I that You are mindful of me, that You hear me when I call? Is it true that You are thinking of me?” I realized that the “why” of my being there, singing the words had nothing to do with it being the right thing to do.

The reason I was there singing those words was because there was no other place on earth I wanted to be.

From the depths of my being, I wanted to be standing in that building, worshiping God with my friends and family.

This is different. This is new. This revelation brought me to tears — and outstretched arms, my heart so full that I could not contain the joy in it.

I think I might become addicted to this, but I think it’s a safe addiction.

More of the Holy Spirit.

Less of the legalistic “right” things to do.

Related posts:

1. Jesus isn’t the reason for the season