I was just 4 when because my dad's job transferred him, our family moved from the family farm 60 miles away. This meant a whole new life for our family - new neighbors, schools, friends -- new church.
However, you can't detach yourself from your roots. That sandy hill on the farm and the millions of warm memories of extended family still has a connection deep within us - for which I am sincerely grateful.
It was "back in Haynesville" - that when I was around the age of 5 that Dad stood me behind the pulpit in one of those horrible wooden folding chairs, for me to sing in church for the very first time. He and I sang the old Gaither hymn "He Touched Me". I think I remember the instability of that chair more than anything else :)
It was my Dad's way of passing on his passion for worship to us, to prompt us to use our gifts, whatever they may be - to entertain the presence of God and to lead others into worship as well.
I know you'll find it difficult to believe, but as a child I just sang ALL the time :)
However my favorite place to sing was in the backyard swing. Swinging and Singing just seemed to go together. And the best part was that the swing was just outside my sisters' window. So not only did I enjoy singing, I especially enjoyed serenading them (even though they were not appreciative of my early morning encore performances :)
It was here in the backyard swing that around the age of 8, I sung my way into the presence of God. Sensing His presence was nothing new. Singing in the backyard swing was routine for me. But feeling His presence overwhelm me while singing in the backyard swing - that was extraordinary.
I remember getting out of the swing and began walking around the backyard - not real sure what I was suppose to do. If I had been in church or during a family prayer time, I would have known how to respond. But here in the backyard, alone - I was so unsure of what my proper response was suppose to be.
I walked over to Dad's BBQ pit - placed my hands on the ledge - and suddenly I experienced something I had never known before. This may sound sensational or even far-fetched for some, but in that moment the Father allowed me to "see" myself ministering before a large congregation in a building I had never seen. It would be another 13 years before I would accept my call into ministry, but in that moment, the Father allowed me a glimpse of the plans He had for me.
The truth is that I have yet to see the fulfillment of that glimpse. However, I am confident that He who began the good work in me is faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6) At times when I am overwhelmed with the "whys" and the "hows" of my current chapter, the Father takes me back to that backyard moment and reminds me that He is still perfecting what concerns me (Psalm 138:8) and that even though I do not know how or when, He will fulfill His good pleasure in me (Philippians 2:13)
Today, Father I thank You for that backyard glimpse into my destiny.
I thank You for being faithful in keeping all Your promises. I thank You that according to 2 Corinthians 1:20 that all Your promises are YES, and today I speak the AMEN in response to Your faithful promises in my own life.
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
No comments:
Post a Comment