Jump Start # 4034
1 Thessalonians 5:16 “Rejoice always.”
Little Kelsey was turning nine years old. Her family wanted to give her a special birthday party. People were invited. Kelsey’s favorite restaurant was chosen as the gathering place. The day came and there was a lot of excitement. But the hour for the party to begin came and passed and no one showed up. Her family waited and waited. Not wanting Kelsey to feel disappointed, her mom jumped into action. She spread the news out on social media. Anyone who could spare a moment, come by for sweet Kelsey. And, just like that, people came. Strangers. Neighbors. Friends from school. Teachers. Some brought cupcakes. Some brought gifts. The line at the restaurant was out the door for all the people wanting to wish Kelsey happy birthday. Word even reached a local news station that sent a reporter to capture the event. When asked how the day went, Kelsey replied in all smiles, “It was better than great.”
What a great statement, “better than great.” It’s hard to beat great, but for young Kelsey, it was better than great. I love those words.
Can you imagine someone asking, “How was worship on Sunday?” It was better than great. The singing was better than great. The prayers were better than great. The preaching was better than great. The warmth and friendliness of the church was better than great. It was truly, “better than great.”
I sense that spirit when I read Ps 122:1 “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” Or, Ps 100:4 “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” Or, Ps 34:3 “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” It was better than Great!
Some lessons for us:
First, our impression, reaction and attitude about worship leaves a heavy stamp upon our children and family. Dragging our feet in at the last minute, like we are off to war, and then getting out of that place as fast as we can, certainly doesn’t make it seem like it was good, let alone Great, let alone, better than great.
What’s the best part of worship? Have you ever kicked that thought around with others? Try it. You’ll get insights that you haven’t thought about. It will open your eyes to marvelous things you have not seen.
Second, your anticipation often determines your outcome. If you don’t expect much, then you’ll likely not be shocked to not notice anything great. However, if you enter with joy, looking forward to being with the people of God and thrilled to open God’s divine word and be taught more truths and treasures, you’ll likely find that it is better than great. Like going to a theme park, if you expect long lines, over priced food, hot weather, there will be a lot for you to complain about. But if you go hoping to make memories, ride some great rides, eat some amazing food, you’ll hate to leave at the end of the day. Your anticipation makes or breaks your reaction.
Third, sometimes it’s the simple things that make great even better. For Kelsey it was seeing so many people, most she didn’t know, you took time to stop by and say Happy Birthday. A simple smile, a hand shake, a “come sit with me,” or, “how about we go grab something to eat afterwards,” can make great even better. A favorite hymn is sung. A favorite passage is read. Seeing someone who has been out for a while back at services. Simple things can make great even better.
Better than great…
Roger