Sunday Specials

Heading for my 51st birthday, I realize that I have faced well over 2,500 Sunday's (actually 2,646). Many I don't remember, many were uneventful*. The week can grow monotonous, each day becoming the same. I try not to let that happen. I think about Sunday often during the week. When it gets to the weekend, I am gearing myself towards Sunday morning. My sleep, my devotions, my activities are built around Sunday morning.

I look forward to worship. The music is a tool that reminds me of my need for a savior, and the good news that I have one. I try to let that touch my heart and when it does, gratefulness and often tears flow. Sunday morning is when I get to look at the faces of other imperfect people who need Him almost as much as I do. I love to watch the hundred or so people who are needed to make the Sunday Service happen. Hearts changed - to teach our children, change diapers, greet visitors, direct traffic in this blasted rain - how can you not see that and then not see the grace of God at work.

This Sunday I get to greet (at the real front door). That really juices me! Each hand I shake is a person who Jesus came to save. Each face one that has wrestled with the week and now comes to find sanctuary and joy in the presence of the Shepherd. Each visitor, one who I pray will encounter the living Savior. Each child will get their first impression of Church for the day from me - let it be bursting with joy!

Then I get to listen to a message from a pastor who has humbly dedicated his life to searching God's word and serving God's people. I piggy-back on over 20-hours of his preparation, boiling-down and expounding upon God's inerrant Word. It is instructing for the wise and direction for the simple, but foolishness to the fool. I want to listen, apply and show myself as one approved.

Sunday is special.

Addendum: there was a Sunday in June, 1983 that pretty much tops the list.