Whatever Takes Us Away

Coffee. I like coffee. I like to drink coffee first thing each morning, usually before I do much of anything else. Somedays I drink more than others, not for the caffeine, but because I like it so much. One cup would be sufficient for the caff intake, but I continue to drink because I enjoy it.

Sunday morning, this past one, I didn't have the opportunity to have that first cup before getting started, or startled as it were. I was barely out of bed when my phone rang. It was my mom, sounding confused and bewildered and in need of help. My dad, who is also the church pastor, was sick and had hardly slept at all the night before. Could I help and stand in his place for preaching? Still needing that first sip of java, I accepted the task and wandered back up stairs to see what I could muster up. Coffee finally brewing!

I sometimes read something, hear something, see something that makes me write something. Okay, it's more than sometimes, it happens quite offten. I read my Bible often. I listen to a few Bible based programs through Podcasts on my iPod almost everyday. I see things in daily life that make me wonder what people sometimes think (or if they even think at all) before doing whatever it is and I feel compelled to write about it. This past Sunday morning was taken care of in advance of it ever happening. God took control and I let go.

The below post is what transpired several weeks ago. I didn't stick entirely to the written message, I sometimes tend to wander in my speaking, but mostly the written was what was spoken to the congregation.

After getting myself somewhat put together (message wise) I tended to myself, then to getting everything gathered for Children's Church. I thank God often and always for my best friend and wife, Tina, as she is the backbone and lifeline for me here on earth. She stepped in for me downstairs, gathered a few helpers and made it through Children's Church just fine. I got through my message, and by the divine inspiration and preparation of God, the music that was already picked out worked well with my message. Afterwards, those in the congregation ensured me that I did a good job and a few, at least three, said I had a promising future behind a pulpit. Had to come to grips with something like that thought, but somehow, by God, I accepted their compliments and well wishes with grace. Firm handshakes all around and out the door.

I still needed coffee, the 1.5 cups just didn't do it and I was mentally, emotionally and physically drained after church.

Today, however, I have had nearly a whole pot of coffee, making up for my weekend lack. Drink on java lovers!