Sing-a-long

I was stepping into a role that was previously filled by an incredible worship leader, who had a great little band, wrote all her own music and paired it with fabulous interactive motions. I am part of a faith community that is literally busting at its seams with exceptional musicians - so many could have filled this role with musical prowess.  So, I knew God had to be up to something, as obviously, I was a crazy choice.  

But I showed up (sometimes it's all you can do, right?).  Me and my poorly tuned guitar, with my fingers rusty from a two-year absence of leading worship in a living room for nine people and my voice equally worse for wear. I would step onto the stage week after week with my heart heavy with apology.  I would look out onto the adorable room full of doe eyes, and think, "I'm so sorry you have to settle for me.  Please, please God, I beg you to show up and let this time be special for You and for them."  

For a while it was just me, my guitar, and my apologetic heart.  I thought it would be great to have a band, like the previous worship leader, but I didn't really have much time or wherewithal to try and gather a team - even my few attempts failed.  As I spent mornings practicing with my class before chapel, I began to look around my classroom of 3rd and 4th graders and wonder - what if my worship team is here?  

I began to add my students into the mix week after week.  First, I had some make up motions to the songs, and then lead them at chapel.  Then I chose a few to dance or flag around the room.  After our school talent show, I snagged a few to sing with me every week.  And just when I was about to ask one boy in my class to stop drumming with his pencil on his desk again  - I stopped myself and instead asked if he had a hand drum at home.  The following week, I led worship with one of the best drummers I'd ever played with.  Who knew he just happened to be that incredible kid at table 3?  

Every single kid in my class now boldly volunteers week after week to be a part of leading worship at chapel. I have them on a rotation, we have to take turns!  They take this role very seriously - I wish you could hear they way they pray before we begin every week.  And every week I stand with my guitar and rusty fingers and watch them - in awe.  They have taught me so much about the purity of childlike faith and worship - how it's not about how perfect the things are that we do or bring before the Lord - but really, it's just about showing up, and choosing to love Him just the way we are -  

And letting Him love us just the way we are, like a very good Father does. 

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or thing." Ephesians 3:20

To God be the glory, great things He has done.

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