Normally I write when I have a rough week about being overwhelmed, and it is true that this week has been overwhelmed with business, and I feel like I am about 10 steps behind myself.

But there is more to this overwhelmed feeling than being busy, in all honesty, I am just simply overwhelmed with joy. Sometimes, things can be hard. But that is what life is to me, being full and abundant does not come without difficulty. Things have just been good this week, and it isn't that specific things have happened to make me feel joyous, it is more that little things have just made my life feel right.

I've been getting encouraging messages through the week, one in particular stands out. Even though I've done my fair share of worship leading, I've never been one to feel comfortable singing without my guitar. Never. But last week, Billy asked me to sing and I was blessed with an email with a comment from someone that night that came at precisely the right moment. It has brought a smile to my face every time I've thought about it. In many ways, I am very much like my mother. I do things not expecting to ever get credit for them, and usually try to do things inconspicuously so that no one gets a chance to thank me for them. But there are some times in our lives where we need the encouragement of others. Even though I try really hard to avoid it, I definitely think that God knows when I need a boost. No, I know when God knows that I need something to remind me of why I am here and what it is that I do to further the kingdom.

I love when I have days like this because there is often a song associated with it, today's is straight out of the United Methodist Hymnal, the song "What Gift Can We Bring" is floating around in my head and I just feel the warmth surrounding me from the various congregations that mean so much to me as I sing it.

What gift can we bring, what present, what token?
What words can convey it, the joy of this day?
When grateful we come, remembering, rejoicing,
what song can we offer in honor and praise?

Give thanks for the past, for those who had vision,
who planted and watered so dreams could come true.
Give thanks for the now, for study, for worship,
for mission that bids us turn prayer into deed.

Give thanks for tomorrow, full of surprises,
for knowing whatever tomorrow may bring,
the Word is our promise always, forever;
we rest in God’s keeping and live in God’s love.

This gift we now bring, this present, this token,
these words can convey it, the joy of this day!
When grateful we come, remembering, rejoicing,
this song we now offer in honor and praise!

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 12, 2006 at 1:42 PM. You can skip to the end and leave a response.