12.27.2006

What a privilege

Somewhere along the way, I forgot the privilege. I got tired. I was burnt out, worn, and exhausted. I let the holy-passion that once burned inside of me become a routine. Not only a routine, but a burdensome, religious chore. It sounds like this:

Pick the songs. Arrange them in a fresh “flowing” order, all-the-while being mindful of the song’s key and lyrical theme. Pray (because I’m supposed to, you know). Research appropriate scripture. Type the lyrics. Rehearse every chord. Print 8 copies for the band. Printer out of ink. Drive to store. Buy ink. Look at watch. Complain about having to do all this. Return home. Clear the printer’s queue. Re-print. Paperclip. Stack.

Re-type the lyrics into Powerpoint (yuch), MediaShout, or Keynote. Computer crashes. Re-re-type the lyrics. Grab guitar and rehearse with slides. Make sure they’re in the right order …

Sound equipment: Looks like I need a _____. (guitar string, pick, AA battery, mic cable, insert missing-piece-of-equipment here). Call a friend. Drive to friend’s house. Borrow the equipment.

Rehearsal. Email the band. Find a time that works. Discover that “no time” works, of course. Do the best we can with who can come. But now, where? Where will we rehearse? Call a church. Acquire a key. Figure out the church’s sound system. Screeching feedback. Loud noises. I don’t know what we’re yelling about.


Somewhere along the way, I forgot the privilege. I let the holy-passion that once burned inside of me become a routine. Tonight, the holy passion returned. Thank you, Jesus.

This is not a routine. This is not a burdensome chore. This is an ongoing conversation. It is a continuous dialog between my spirit, your spirit, and the Maker of the entire universe. In this very moment, we have the privilege of communicating, adoring, worshipping, proclaiming the glory, falling down in complete awe before, and singing at the top of our lungs to the One who made us.
For “all the earth bows down to you: they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name.” (ps 66:4)

This is for glory. What a privilege, Jesus. Father, forgive me for making this about me.

6 comments:

charlesdean2 said...

Welcome to the struggle, bro!

What other people do out of devotion, we sometimes do because it's our job...and sometimes devotion, vocation, calling and paycheck get really confused!

I'm glad for you moment of clarity!!

meredith said...

i miss you cuz

The Lindell Family said...

Well Said. You should publish that in a one page book.

I would buy it and read it everyday... to remind me not to get into a routine. (Oh the irony.)

Anonymous said...

I will admit everyone has done it before(going away from God) and I regret it and feel really bad when I do. Hope to see you Sunday at Reachout '07! Plus I have a story to tell you right now:

This week I was listening to a new Jeremy Camp song called, "Give You Glory" and it just remined of you by the pace of the song! Yeah it may sound weird, but I notice little things like that. =)

Talk to you soon, JakeN ;]

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."

~Heather Hoffman~

Anonymous said...

jake... heard you just got back from IHOP and the pancakes were amazing! haha seriously though, heard you had a great time... we need to get together sometime. I miss ya.

Jacob Allen said...

I totally feel what your saying. This is a big encouragement.

check out my spot: come imagine

Right now