“Sing YOUR Song for God! As a music minister, I often think of playing my flute for God. As a kind of adaptation on “the little drummer boy” my heart opens up and offers my song as “this is all I have and I hope it is good enough”. Though many people tell me my music is good enough, my devotion to God and my experience of God’s awesomeness humbles me to consider each time, am I offering my song to God as authentically and humbly as God deserves from me? I believe that this seemingly simple insight has provided me with a spiritual methodology that has enhanced my life at the highs and the lows of this journey. As I stand before God’s people, the human tendency is to be acceptable to them; asking questions like, “Am I dressed right?” or “Do I look right?” or “Will they like me?”. Though I am sure anyone who has been in front of groups can relate to this line of thinking, I assert here that when I was able to let go of the intent to please people and to focus only on my “right now” present moment experience of my devotion to Divine Spirit (God by whatever name) only then did I begin experiencing music as ministry as opposed to musical performances. As the founder of JoiHaven, an online prayer-based faith community, we offer as one of our core values that we each are to go to God in our own way. This began as a kind of natural distinction, as we started out as a group of eclectic people of different faith traditions who were looking to pray together regularly. As we progressed, we discovered how “intimate” one must be to stand before God, in front of others praying to God and not to people. Many of us were somewhat timid to do this as we were accustomed to following certain “vetted” patterns acceptable to congregations, based on the traditions of the particular community. I began to realize consciously that I pretty much always had an expectation of how the public prayer “should” go; and often I was right. When a person prays to God, witnessed by others it is an extremely intimate (vulnerable) time; a time when something almost magical happens. Now, that is not to say that this is easy; especially not easy for most people. Nonetheless when one is able to connect to that presence of God within, in front of others it is powerful. It is based on this principle that I offer my orientation to music. When I leave the world of pleasing people to the universe of pleasing God, a number of things begin to happen. First, much of the “inner chatter” (screaming?) that goes on when we are in front of people disappears. I always equated that loud chatter within to one of my favorite comedians Sam Kinison. My inner voice became so loud and obnoxious at the most inopportune times; especially when I spoke or performed in in front of people. The funny thing was I even heard Sam when I was by myself practicing for an important engagement, and this voice never said anything good. In Sam’s style and flavor I heard “YOU SUCK” and “THIS IS TERRIBLE” AND “ARE YOU F**ING KIDDING ME!” Honestly I rarely enjoyed performing or presenting before I discovered God as my audience, and began singing my song for God. When I focus on just offering my services to God I experience a quieting of my whole being. I become more aware and perhaps a little detached. Some of the most profound insights have happened during these times that I am connected to my awareness to God, witnessed by others. I have come to believe that “where two or more are gathered in my name” refers to people coming together in a present-moment experience of God; an “awe” of God, a “reverence” to God. After all, anyone who knows God knows that it is a humbling experience to make a holy connection. Next time you are at work in a key moment or task, considering offering your “song” to God instead of your boss. Now I don’t recommend telling your boss that you are now working for God instead of “ABC Company”. I would offer that your individual sense of ease and poise and grace will grow and expand as become more attuned to this as your real and primary focus. God loves you! So go ahead, Sing your song for God! God is the best audience anyone can have.
Posted on: Fri, 30 Aug 2013 21:54:57 +0000