Changes

As I was preparing to come to Kuwait, I felt the Holy Spirit saying that this was a sabbatical time for me. I've taken that seriously. I've avoided getting involved in leading music or preaching. However, I was asked on Easter to help with the music for the sunrise service and to lead a song in the contemporary service. I was also randomly put on the preaching schedule by the lead pastor for the Gospel service. My secret is out.

In May, the person leading the music for the contemporary service had to go on a mission for a few weeks. I was asked to lead the music while he was gone. I did it to fill a gap. After Sunday, I sent him a note and we had a chat. It went like this:

Me: So is it you or me this coming Sunday?

Him: Up to you...I should be home late on Monday

Me: It's really up to you because you're the guy, but I think it would be good for you to pick it back up. You probably need to talk to CH Smith and whoever his replacement is about the transition plan because that is coming very soon.

(The lead chaplain, the music leader, and much of the team are part of the same unit and are leaving in a few months)

Him: Are you sure that you're not the transition plan? *smiley face*

Here's what's interesting...I spent the rest of the day thinking about that. I realized that the idea of being the primary worship leader doesn't bring me joy. I'm willing to do it if needed, but I don't need to. This is a HUGE thing for me because in the past, I would have been straining to take on that leadership role. I thought, "What would bring me joy?" You know what it was? Sitting in the back of the chapel, copying the Gospels. Just sitting with Jesus.

When all the horrible things happened at my last full-time church and I wasn't sure I could ever serve in a church again, I had an existential crisis. Ministry was who I was. I didn't know my identity outside of doing ministry. I kept looking for ways back in.

Now I know.

And it's wonderful.

Worship is knowing who you are in Christ!

SONGS FOR SUNDAY

Graves into Gardens

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YihKbG8-X3U

King of my Heart

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbBQ94PZEkE

The Everlasting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdkaENDJPw0