As a Reverend's wife I see everything within a church through different eyes. I'm a protector. This means that I'm constantly thinking how does this affect my husband and his ability to do his job in a way that is pleasing to The Lord, himself, and his family. There are a few special times throughout the year though that I am able to be drug out of this place of watchfulness into a place of worship. Those times come when I watch my husband lead worship.
Leading worship is by far his best spiritual gift. As he invites the spirit of God to be present among the worshippers you can always feel a shift in the air, a breeze blow across your face, or hear the sounds of nature pause for just a brief moment. No matter where we are or what resources he has, The Rev. always has the ability to draw us to God's presence. This is the moment where I begin to feel a peacefulness flow over me as if saying, "it's okay to participate...not just watch today."
As he sings songs of praise to God, The Rev. is able to provide a place where people are free and comfortable to sing as they need or want to in praising God. There are people who will lift their hands the sky or dance around. There are people who will sing extremely loud and off key or clap in rhythm to the beat of some other song. No one cares. No one judges. There are people who will have tears streaming down their face because a song has touched them in some way. There are people that wrap their arms around each other is love, support, and solidarity. In this moment I am free and my muscles relax and my voice rises to the heavens and heart ceases to be heavy with the sorrows, and pain of this world.
Prayers are said throughout these worship services that are thoughtful and give time for those people worshipping to be thoughtful and pray for their own personal needs. A message is given that speaks to the hearts of the individuals and provides The Rev. with the chance to speak of Jesus' gospel. A time for him to call people into action, remind people to love others, to be kind to others, and to take care of others. In this moment I am encouraged and my spirit is renewed...I feel ready to take on the world (or at least start another week of work).
As we come to the time of offering and communion everyone is welcome to gather with him. No one feels ashamed that they may not be able to afford to give monetarily because they know that offering their spiritual gifts is just as valued. Everyone feels the importance and value placed upon communion as they are served and serve others. In this moment we are again brought to a place of community with those around us and the excitement in the air becomes tangible.
Then we are dismissed with song and good words of encouragement so that all are ready to spread God's love in whatever shape that may take throughout the next week. And we leave with smiles and tears and the overwhelming knowledge that God loves us no matter what we do and no matter how imperfect we feel we are. In this moment I can let go of my perfectionist, OCD obsessions and just be present and happy.
It is a talent...no a gift to be able to know what a room full of people will need from worship and to be able to draw them into the spirit of The Lord. It is a gift to be able to help people of all backgrounds with many different personal issues and struggles all to a central place of community and love. It is a gift to feel the emotions in a room and adjust a worship to meet the needs of those in worship. My husband has this gift and I am overwhelmed with joy and peace every time I get to experience him in his element...in the middle of God's presence. This is one of my favorite things.
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