The Songs of Little Birds
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Psalm 96:1-2 (NIV)
One of my absolute favorite things to do is take Mr. Grumbles for a walk. He does not go far anymore because of his age. But when he stops, I get a chance to listen. What joy it gives me to hear all the birds with their melodic chatter!
Each little feathered friend has a distinct song that they sing. Some I can mimic and some are beyond my skill level. Their little chirps mean something; some are mating sounds, some are warnings, some are used to find another of their species and some are probably just happy bird calls. When they all sing together, while not in unison, it is like the best symphony in the world to me.
We each have a song to sing! I know what you are thinking—I won’t even sing in the shower! or I couldn’t carry a tune if you handed it to me on a silver platter. I am not referring to a musical song. We have talents. All of us have something to contribute to the glory of God. If we look within the church, we find numerous positions including preachers, teachers, musicians, techs, greeters, council members and ever so many more workers.
God has chosen and given each of us a job to do. Are you joyfully doing His work? Do you even know what your job is within the church? What would you like to do? And there is no job called pew sitter! I think everyone would be amazed at what it takes to keep a church healthy. Have you ever thought of reading stories to preschoolers at His Kids? How about selling tickets for an upcoming event or making posters? How about the prayer chain? Have you called a shut-in recently?
I am pretty sure you can find a position within the church where you can contribute more than money. Don’t get me wrong, that is important, but it is not the best way to build relationships and deepen that sense of “belonging”.
Yup, I am convinced that we each have a beautiful song to sing. When we all sing together, we grow in overflowing love and joy. In fact, those driving by just might hear us and stop to find out what is happening.
Merciful Father, thank You for the songs You have put in our hearts. Help us to use our voices / talents to make our churches healthier. Let us make time to sing together for Your glory. AMEN
Photograph: Michael Johnston (yellow warbler)