I was asked to lead the music at VBS this year, which was very exciting! I went to Vacation Bible School from age 5 to age 11. I always loved the themes and the cool songs that they designed to go with it. It was so different leading the music; however, than it is simply singing and doing the motions. It was scary at first, and very stressful. People don't understand how hard it is to project your voice when the keys are a little too high and you're in a gym with fans blowing and children chattering. Throughout the week, it definitely got easier, and far more enjoyable. I was to open us in worship (10-15 minutes) and close us in worship (15 minutes). I also worked with my good friend Adriane in the music shop, and had a blast. I loved seeing the children's faces light up when you would show them and instrument, or even begin to speak with them about God. What was really awesome to me is that by the end of the week, I knew all of their names, and they all knew me too.
The following Sunday morning, I had a row of children singing in the choir behind me. Our prayer song was "Abba Father." When we sang that song, and I heard the kids singing that, it reminded me of a song called "My Abba's Child." I could barely keep myself together. It touched my heart. Kids are precious, and remind us of who we need to focus on: God.
My friends mean so much to me. They know that they can come to me about anything and know that I will help them in any way that I can. Whether they come to me in my office at church, call me, text me, or come up to me outside of church, they know that I'm always there. My friend Adriane recently had surgery on her foot. They asked me to come with them when she was having surgery to support her, so me and her best friend Hayley (also one of my good friends) went with her that day. I wanted to be there for my friend, and knowing that I was wanted there made me feel good; like I mattered. She said from the beginning of her surgery that she wanted no pictures of her in the hospital, but after they gave her some meds, she INSISTED that I take a pic and post it all over the place, so I did; however, I won't post it on my blog... I'm not that mean.
Alright, I'm done with story time. Now here's what I want everyone to get out of this post. Ask yourself this question: What is a heart of worship? Can you answer? It probably varies from person to person. To me, a heart of worship is when your desire to live for Christ becomes a consuming fire. It's something that people see, and as a worship leader, it's so important that everyone see that you have a heart of worship. It sets the tone for worship, and let's face it, if the leader isn't into it, will the congregation be?? My friends recently lost someone that they met at church camp. He passed away, and a couple of them took it pretty hard. Seeing a heart of worship on stage that following Sunday may not have made everything better, but it did offer some comfort. When we become engaged with God in worship, we cast all our cares upon Him, and we're reminded of who's in control. I'm still here for my friends if they need me. I spend a lot of time in prayer asking God that He would allow them to see what He has for them. For example, Adriane is blessed with musical talent. I pray that God would allow her to see what He's given her, and that she would use her talents to glorify God, as I have chosen to... just as we all should.
My prayer is that no matter where I am, people would see the heart of worship in me. I hope that the kids saw it at VBS and in church. I hope that my friends see it when they talk to me, or when I'm with them (be it in thick or thin). I pray that people would see God working through me. I pray that my work in the ministry would inspire just one person. Do you have a heart of worship? Are you using your talents to better His Kingdom? I'm not perfect, nor do I pretend to be, but I do try to glorify God with my talents.
"I'm coming back to the heart of worship, 'cuz it's all about You... all about You, Jesus. I'm sorry, Lord for the thing I've made it, when it's all about You... all about You, Jesus"
-Matt Redman, "Heart of Worship"
