"Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28

It's another "good-to-see-you" Sunday morning.  A few  more handshakes and I'll make it to my pew.  "Doing  great," I answer, a smile spreading quickly across my face.   Lord, I hope these eyes don't give my thoughts away.

A kind word to the preacher, a hug to an elderly lady  and I arrive at my familiar spot.  I'm sure glad those visitors  aren't in my seat again this week.  Well, just look at that  song leader, he wore that tie last week.  Please Lord, not  that same old hymn again.  As I routinely move my lips to  another favorite, I'm surprised to see a new couple walk  the aisle and stand across from me.  I hope someone  welcomes them here today.

The man who grips the gospel gun stands behind the  pulpit ready to fire away.  It's time again.  Only forty more  minutes to go.  "Let's pray," he says.

"Turn in your Bibles to..." My thoughts drift away.   Where will I go this time?  The deer woods?  No, that was  last Sunday.  What's for dinner today?  Hey, there's a bit  football game tonight, I wonder who will win... I lose myself  to one more day's indifference.  The clouds start rolling in 
again as a fog covers my mind.  Lord, if that baby doesn't  stop crying...

Point number two, we're moving right along.  I do wish  those teenagers would stop giggling, though.  They are  going to distract someone.  I've said it a thousand times  before, if you're mind isn't on the message, God won't  speak to you.  A chorus of "Amens" break my  concentration.  "Preach it, brother!" I unknowingly say  aloud.  I like to be involved, you know.

It's five 'til twelve, he better start winding it up.  Well,  look who's in church today.  It's about time she got back in  church.  I just hope it's not too late.  "We're going to have a  hymn of invitation," the preacher says.  "Praise the Lord," I  mumble softly.  We bow our heads.  "Let's pray," the preacher says again.

Well, I guess I'd better pray too.  "Dear Lord, Mrs. So-and-So needs to repent.  Show her the error of her ways.   Help that preacher to start getting us out on time.  Lord,  thank you that I'm not like the rest.  Amen."

That wasn't so bad.  Wait a minute, why is everyone  crying?  Where are all of those people headed?  What's  happening here?  "The Spirit is really moving this  morning," the preacher announces.  "Won't you come?"

I bow my head, ashamed I'm feeling nothing.  I'm here, but my heart's a thousand miles away.  I search my heart  for signs of something that's long gone.  "God is calling  someone this morning to get their relationship right with  him," the preacher continues.  "Won't you come right  now?"  Is he talking about me?  Should I go down there?   What will everyone think?  Oh, I feel so empty.  I need to  go down there.  I know something is missing.  Something  isn't right.  Ok, I'll go...no, no, no.  I'll wait until next week.

Oh, no.  Not another verse.  Why is he dragging this out?  Hurry up.  I'm getting hungry.  It's past time to go.   "Invitation time is over.  I hope you did what the Lord told you to do," he finally says.  "Let's pray."
     
A few more handshakes and I'll make it to the door.   "Have a nice day," I exchange pleasantries with a few  people.  Don't forget, Lord, send someone to welcome that  new couple, I think silently.

"Good service, preacher.  I really enjoyed the message.  I can't wait until next week," I say with a smile on my face.

Praise the Lord, I'm walking out the door.

Christian, does what you have just read sound familiar?   Does this article that I wrote about myself many years ago ring a bell?  Maybe not all of it, but some of it?

What about it, friend?  Are you headed for another  "good-to-see-you" Sunday morning?  

You can have your joy restored, you know.  You can  get your peace back.  All you need to do is go before the  Lord and ask Him to reach out and  touch your heart. 

Have a "Wonderful DAY in Christ,"
Jimmy D. Brown
\o/ Praise Jesus!