For the past few weeks, I have been sharing my musical talents with the congregation of Wangen Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Minnesota. Like so many rural churches, they are small. But size should never be confused with enthusiasm, and there is an abundance to be found there. They are filled with the Spirit, doing good work, and carrying the cross as a beacon in the wilderness through their support of missions near and far. It has been a very rare privilege for me to play each Sunday morning, because, although I was a stranger, they have accepted me into their midst as one of them. It is not always so, and I am grateful.
I have been thinking about this today, as I near the end of my temporary commitment. I realize they think that I have gifted them by playing, and, of course, God has worked through me to bring music to their Sunday morning ministry, which I hope has been a blessing. But, in truth, the real gift has been to me in their healing love and acceptance, which is far more important, in the overall scheme of life.
