I sat next to a thirty something woman in church today. She was alone on my left, my wife on my right. I have seen her a couple of times before, each time alone.
The worship music began and the singing started. It was a song geared for those much younger than I, and let’s say I wasn’t exactly ushered into the presence.
After the song we took a moment to greet those around us and when I shook her hand I noticed her eyes briefly glanced at mine and then away. She was pleasant looking but features harder than her age and no twinkle in her eye. Then the music began and we began another song, much like the first one, and the words were accompanied by a picture of a sunflower on the overhead screen. Suffice to say I was again a little disappointed in the song choice but as we were singing about butterflies and bonnets, forgive my sarcasm, it struck me to use this ‘interval’ to pray. As I was praying this woman sitting next to me came to mind and I began praying for her that whatever her situation, that she would experience the presence of God and find solace today in him. I followed the prompting to pray for her and as I began to pray that she would feel the joy of the Lord, my words became coincidentally sequenced with words in the song. I began to sing along now with some enthusiasm. When the song ended I notice she turned and bent down to get her purse. I was a little disappointed thinking she was about to leave, but it turned out she was reaching for a tissue because tears had flooded her face.
The Lord used this hidden drama to let me know He will let himself in regardless of circumstances, or my musical concerns, and if I happen not to be enthralled with a song choice, I can still redeem the time.
A lesson and a blessing.

Photo by Jose Mata