The Bench

I sat on the bench. For about an hour I opened myself to all sorts of questions about how I am…and how I am functioning.
Am I carrying any extra weight? What has accumulated since I was last here? What needs to be shed?
How is my blood flowing? Freely? Do I feel energized? Is my body taking in good nutrients? Is it effectively releasing toxins and waste material? Regular pulse?
How are my thoughts flowing? Are they, in general clear and focused? Any trouble staying on task, or prioritizing?
How about my joints…my hands…my feet? Those members that enable me to move about and accomplish tasks… Any stiffness or lethargy? Any obstruction to “getting things done?”
Check out the tongue. Does it move like it is supposed to….any indicators of damage or malfunction there? (Diseases often present themselves in that region, I’ve been told!)
How about my breathing? Is it deep and full? Is it short and restrained? Take a deep breath, now exhale… once again…. And once again.
I listened to some counsel about my general health, wellness and things I might be doing that aren’t in my best interests. I also was reminded of some habits that might be harmful not only to me but to my loved ones…all of them.
And at the end of the hour I was given the prescribed elements that would sustain me throughout the days ahead. And I was sent on my way….reminded to come back again.
Doctor’s office? Well, I did have my annual physical last week….but I’m actually talking about being in worship.
My body, mind, heart and soul are presented to God in that hour. In confession and forgiveness I am blessed with the release from accumulated burdens … all that weights me down. As I sing and pray I drink deeply of words and melodies offered by faithful people surrounding me…not only people in the room, but all of those who have uttered prayers and penned hymns and liturgy throughout the ages. I inhale deeply so that my voice can join in, and can speak and sing praise and thanksgiving to God. I listen carefully for the proclamation of God’s Word to me…and take note of Wisdom that correct s my steps, my words and my deeds. I reach my hand and heart out for the Bread and the Wine….the elements that unite me with my Lord and God….Jesus Christ….and all of the other Children of God.
I am sent on my way…to love and serve others in a new way. In that hour I have been realigned….renewed. I’ll be back for that hour regularly. My life depends upon it.

Note: People who typically lead worship often suffer from not "being" in worship. If you are one of those leaders, I pray that you find places and times when you can worship regularly. If you are a member of a congregation, encourage your pastor to take time and find places when he/she can simply BE in worship.