Too old for head-banging

Tonight was an awesome night. This morning, I was ill and had to cancel some daytime plans. I was very upset about this, and hoped I would feel better in time for the daytime plans to continue, but it didn't work out. I was just considering cancelling my evening plans too, when I started to feel better. So I went ahead with my evening plans and I'm glad I did. Three friends and I went to a concert. It had several Christian bands that we love, one in particular that I've loved almost my whole life, the Newsboys. We got there a little late, just in time for ZoeGirl. They were great, and there's a song they did this evening that I absolutely must find to sing in church one day. The research will begin this week, I'm sure. Anyway, after they finished, NewSong came on. They were great, as usual. But then, Toby Mac performed a set, and he was incredible! After his set, the Newsboys came on and finished out the concert with some of my favorite songs, including "Shine," which is just an awesome anthem for Christians, calling us to let our lights shine to everyone so they can see a difference in us.

I had a really great time singing along and doing a little mild head-banging when the situation called for it. Of course, now I'm realizing that I'm a bit too old for that and am really going to regret it in the morning. Anyone know someone who gives a good massage? (lol) But it wasn't the showmanship or the performances that made this night awesome. What was awesome was the feeling, the unity of all those Christians in the building. We united together for worship tonight, several thousand of us, and I know God was looking down on us, smiling at our efforts to praise Him. They have this song, "He Reigns," that is so powerful and beautiful it makes me want to cry. And watching all the people in the packed Mitchell Center tonight, swaying and singing the words to this lovely praise song was just the most amazing experience.

I think we often get into a rut when it comes to worship. We go to church, sing the hymns, give the offering, listen to the sermon, stand for the alter call, and then go home for lunch. There's a routine-ness about it that makes it feel stale sometimes. We need to break out of that and really worship, really feel the presence of God, and really let Him know how much we love Him, and how grateful we are to Him for everything He has done for us. I'm going to make an effort to really worship from now on. I hope everyone who was in that building will realize what I did, and make that same effort. It will make all the difference in our lives.

Sorry to get on a little soap box about this, but it's what's on my mind right now. On a related note, after the concert, Rhea and I went out and bought the Toby Mac CD and it's freaking awesome. It was hard not to head-bang in the car on the way home. (you'd think I would have grown out of that by now, wouldn't you?!)