Man, was I suffering this morning!
I was scheduled to play guitar at an earlier-than-usual service time at church.
We were out late for dinner Saturday night, so I had not yet organized my sheet music or written down key signatures - it takes some hunting to track down 11 songs. But I could squeeze it in before breakfast.
Then I overslept, making it that much more rushed to have coffee and toast before packing up the guitars and heading out for a quick pre-service rehearsal with the music director.
And...cold?!! Minus 2 degrees before windchill.
Plus...! My bride, who usually carries the heavy music bag, was driving separate, so I had that AND two guitars to carry in.
Then - of all days - there was a water main break and I couldn't park anywhere near the side entrace to the church. I mean, I was out in the boondocks....at least 30 yards away, and walking into a miserable artic polar blast.
I looked at that distance, felt the heft of the weight of my guitars and music - shuddered at the freezing wind - and muttered something about the sufferings of a poor, unloved volunteer church musician.
That took about a second, and then something else got my attention.
I looked at the distance again - and figured I would cover it in about 2 - 3 minutes, tops.
On my way into the nice warm church where we have this beautiful cross in the sanctuary.
It made me think about this other guy.
Much longer walk, through filthy streets and crowds - dragging an actual cross, not a puny figurative one.
Not heading to a nice warm refuge - He knew it was only going to get worse. A lot worse.
Nails in the hands and feet. Spear in the side. Taunts from the selfish, prideful, ill informed and haters.
Yeah....I must have blushed in my embarrassment, because my face felt warmer for a moment.
Then I shook it off and headed inside to church, feeling much less sorry for myself with each step.
We had a fantastic worship service. Made some really good music. Looked up at the cross.
Thanked Him again - I know too well that I am not worthy of His sacrifice - but He is worthy of my praise.
And I am blessed, in Jesus' name, Amen.
What do you believe?
