THIS PAST WEEKEND we were at one of Seph's concerts in Fort Myers, Florida, with Tasha Layton, Danny Gokey and Mac Powell of Third Day. Joseph's first release as a recording artist for Sony/Provident, "Counting My Blessings," reached all kinds of #1's. Back stage, I told Mac our kids were cranking out to Consuming Fire since their diapers; his Soul On Fire was our first radio program intro ten years ago.
At the heart of it all was simply worship in our home. Before they were born. Not just in special moments, or on any stages, but as a way of life. All the time. Not because we were particularly holy, or because I was particularly good at leading it, but because worship is what God made us for. Worship is why the Hebrews were delivered from Egypt. Worship is why Jesus Christ came to deliver the entire human race.
Worship is what we will be doing through all eternity.
Worship was for us simply picking up the guitar or sitting down at the piano and just praising. Or cranking out to favorite praise songs. And when ready (at birth), buying them little instrument. Giving them opportunities to connect their hearts to the Giver of their hearts.
Worship then involved actively engaging them in ministry moments, getting them in the saddle. And encouraging them to just bring it. Regardless of how it sounded. And telling their siblings they weren't allowed to criticize. And to keep encouraging said children when the others did criticize. :)
In all this, whether it be music, business, athletics, academics, or any human undertaking, the heart of it all is worship of the God who made us. Regardless of whatever stage we may find ourselves on. Because that's what He made us for.
As parents, it's about helping our children discover their wings.
It's about showing them the sky.
It's about teaching them how to fly.
Don't let your imperfection stand in the way of stretching your wings before the horizon of the One in whom each of us find our perfection.
Into eternity.
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