Eating Humble Pie With my (open) Hands

It was so good to worship with God's people this morning.

I am so glad that I won't have to miss out on church because of work anymore.

You know that whole "open hands" thing I'm trying?

That whole not being a control-freak thing?

It's coming along, little by little.

James was leading worship this week. 

I usually have to have my nose right in there as he's picking songs,
sharing my two cents,
telling him why my way's better.

This time, I backed off, I stayed out of it.

But, after thinking awhile on the text for the week, I called downstairs:

"I don't know if you're all done, but I was thinking that this song might fit really well after the sermon.
Take it or leave it."

(Did you know I was capable of not being pushy!?  Me neither...)

He thought it was a good fit.  He replaced his choice with mine.  He liked it.

And then, as we listened to the pastor speak this morning, he steered his sermon right into the song that James had initially picked, which I saw no connection to the day before.

I texted James (he wasn't sitting with me)

"You were right on with "Nothing But the Blood"

And he was.

And he changed it back.

And it was spot on.

That guy of mine is so good.  

For some reason, I doubt his perception.  Way too often.

And he patiently listens to my criticisms.

And patiently doesn't criticize in return.

- - - - - - - - - -

There were a lot of good reminders for me in what was sung and spoken this morning.

Our pastor preached from Luke 18:9-14, about the not seeking to make ourselves worthy by our actions, about not considering ourselves better than those around us.

A life-long battle 

for me, the good girl, 

me who's so good at comparing myself, 

me who's so quick to point out "I was right!"

What a good reminder, especially as I start a new job, that
it's not about whether or not I do it better than the person before me.
It's not about showing how well I can do things.

Can I share with you some of the phrases that I jotted down in my daybook as I listened?

"Every one who exalts himself will be humbled,

and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 18:14

There is more to life than being right in our own eyes.

We do good out of gratitude for God's mercy, 
not because we will find merit.

Although I will never be worthy, I am far from worthless. 

Jesus saw fit to purchase my righteousness with his blood.

lean hard on God's mercy.