Watching and listening...

to people is intriguing to me. I missed my calling, I should have been a sociologist. For example, I love to walk the halls at our school and hear (without seeing into a classroom) children saying the Pledge of Allegiance, hear a teacher call roll, the bell ringing, or children singing.

There are several places I go where I enjoy watching and listening.

I've mentioned several times that Sunday is my favorite day of the week. Today God opened my eyes and ears, and I understand differently why it's my favorite.

I've been going to church all my life, including before birth. Being in a church building is second nature to me. I've almost always felt comfortable at church. I love the worship through singing, prayer, and meditation on God's word with a group of believers. I love the social aspect of it for fellowshipping, and I love the sights and sounds that are part of church culture.

Today I sat and people watched during worship. NOT for the sake of watching, but for pure appreciation. All of the sudden there were these activities going on at church and I became hyper aware of them. There are certain rhythms and cadences to a worship service. You become familiar with them if you've been around them anytime at all. Have you ever heard a child say amen before a prayer is over? We all have, its the pause or the pitch in the voice of the one praying that denotes, it's over.

Today I marveled at the amalgam of people there to worship God. I noticed the many visitors and thought of how far they had traveled, one from France, a family from Washington D.C., and a mother and sister from Pennsylvania.

After that thought, my senses were opened. I heard baby Tanner make those baby grunting noises (ah, sweet nostalgia.) I saw Steve holding a babies cup, it struck me as sweet. He then held the baby, who rested his adorable little face on Steve's shoulder, sweeter still. On the same pew was Lexi and her mommy playing a precious game of peek-a-boo under the blanket. On my own pew where six restless boys. Our oldest two invited friends to church.

Also, at one point, our song leader became overwhelmed by a song we were singing. God's love and forgiveness can be so emotional to a believer. A member said loudly "It's okay brother" and another man lead the next song for him. I too have been overwhelmed at times by a song or scripture. I found a tear rolling down my cheek in camaraderie. There was also the sound of the bread and juice being passed, and clink of change in the collection. These are the familiar sounds of people worshipping God.

Close your eyes sometime and just enjoy the sounds of worship, or sit in a nursery when you can't hear anything, and watch. Precious, precious sights and sounds of God's people.

I found a new way to worship Him today. It was through the appreciation of others he created, who were doing what he created them to do.