In One Week . . .

. . . I will be on an airplane heading over the Atlantic to Germany. This last week at home is largely taken up with Vacation Bible School, and strangely enough, it does indeed feel somewhat like a vacation. This morning was a flurry of activity at the church, but actually as the director my main job is problem solver and general overseer, so I did more watching than joining in. (And what a grand bunch of workers are pouring their skills and enthusiasm into the program!) I kept the rest of the calendar mostly clear so I could give VBS whatever time it required, and my afternoon was leisurely: lunch on the deck (in the company of a Dark-Eyed Junco sitting on her three eggs under the shade of the geraniums and ferns in Mom's planter), updating my VBS list for tomorrow, a run in the woods.

In other news, I recently sliced off the corner of my thumb and discovered it isn't as bad as it sounds (or looks). The new thumb silhouette is interesting, at least. Of course, it had to do with VBS (I'm serious, that's really all I'm doing this week). I was using a craft knife and cutting out some foam board hikers, and I know it's not wise to cut towards your hand, but I was doing it anyway, and now I am newly reminded of the reason behind this bit of conventional wisdom.

We are missing the companionship of John around here; even Peter asked me on Sunday, "Uncle John come to church?" Of course John is very helpful (with dogs and dishes, logs and lawns, technology and tying knots), and he's a great contributor to almost any conversation (except TMI or "girl" topics), but what I miss is the jovial companionship and the open understanding between us.

I'm re-learning the lesson about mind input, or a tree and its fruit. If I fill my mind with even good things (and certainly mediocre or poor things) at the expense of taking the time to input the Word of God, I will not be pouring out the fruit of the Spirit or having the mind of Christ. What seed of laziness convinces me to avoid the even the question of what to do with a free moment? I don't even ask the question because I know the answer. If I know the answer, why am I not living by the life-giving truth? Forgiveness asked for and received; moving forward. Jesus: "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." So, He knows I need washing.

I cried when I played the piano on Sunday. It's not the same as a worship experience where you have the liberty of letting go of all responsibilities and details, but there is a kind of letting go in the midst of giving your gift back to God. Somehow it helps me to realize the greatness of God and my own smallness when I am trusting Him to direct my physical body in a way that will lead His bride in worship. In the natural way of things, playing in front of people during a formal, sacred service would make me nervous. I am forced to a crossroads between trying to do it on my own and exalting myself or offering up all that I have for God to do with as He will and letting His be the reputation that is affected. The sweet place of surrender was found on Sunday.