Just a Glimpse

If you've read my blog for any time at all, then you know that my guys have a bent toward music. Until he left full time ministry, DH played in the worship band at our church. DSs 1 and 2 played in the Youth bands there as well. The picture above shows DS 1 and another music leader at our former church playing for DH on his last Sunday there.

The boys also have played in neighborhood bands. Times have changed and now none of them are playing at church regularly, and any neighborhood jamming happens sporadically at best, thus I don't get to hear them too often.

That changed today.

DS 2 was asked earlier this week to fill in on drums at church since the regular drummer was going to be out of town. DH received a call yesterday from the Pastor (who also plays piano) and found out that the worship leader was very ill and his wife was in the hospital. He (the Pastor) wanted to know if DH could help with worship.

Now, remember that DH has not really done much "music" since we left our last church more than a year ago. When I came home from running errands yesterday, every guitar in our house was in the middle of our living room. DH was sitting with his music and DS 3 was kind of supervising things as they discussed possible songs that would "work" last minute. They went for a mini-rehearsal and planning session yesterday afternoon.

DS 1 spent the week away on a National Guard drill weekend. I mentioned to DH that it was a shame that DS 1 wasn't home since I know he'd love to come play with them. DH said he talked to our son midday and was told, "Dad, I'll come play if you can OK it with the Sergeant."

Call me a pessimist, but I wasn't looking for the ARMY to let our son leave their planned drill weekend so he could go help bail out a church with a limited praise band. Once again, though, I was amazed to find out that the Sergeant did, indeed, agree to let DS 1 leave drill for the service. He was going to have the Specialist drive him to church in the morning and we would return him to the armory after the service.

Fast forward to this morning's service. I only wish I had a camera to show you the gift I was given today. Once again, I got to hear and see "my guys" help lead worship! I love listening to my DS 1 and my DH sing and worship. And I love watching DS 2 play those drums. AND they did one of my favorite songs, "Heart of Worship" by Matt Redman. DS 3 even helped with the song and service slides.

I'm so proud of each of my guys. They are a joy to me. I love watching them use the talent that God has given them, for Him. It was bittersweet, though. DS 1 will leave in less than a month for the Army. DS 2 will leave in August for college. So, when the pastor spoke about trying to "force God's hand" rather than "walking in God's perfect plan" and letting him "direct our paths", I knew I needed to hear it. I am, afterall, a control-freak who would love to continue to direct each of their paths. I know, though, that is not my role at this juncture of their lives.

Instead, as I watched them play the final notes of today's service, I whispered a prayer, "They're yours, Lord...thank you, again, for the blessing that they are to me." And then I thought: "I don't know what their futures hold, but I KNOW WHO holds each of their futures."

And, THAT makes all the difference!