Glory Sightings

Last night we took our youth group to WinterJam. Several bands shared a few songs each -- Mercy Me was the final band, and they were great, as always.

New Song (pictured to the right) at one point, asked the crowd to stand and to sing with them the phrase, "The world holds nothing for me." I look at MT, and she looked at me, and we siad, "But I don't believe that!"

I'm sure -- I hope -- that the meaning of that phrase, repeated over and over by that crowd, was meant to impress upon the youth that God's kingdom offers so many more treasures and such a full life, that we can let go of what seems important in this world.

I hope that, but I'm not sure that's what they meant. I worry that what they were teaching the youth "Wait until you get into heaven! God is there! Everything on this world, which isn't heaven, is nothing."

As I said last night, I don't believe it. God is here. He created this world and us; surely we are meant to live in God's presence HERE AND NOW. Today!

So, this came to mind last night:

The world holds nothing for me?
But what about….

Crisp autumn days
Ocean waves
Rainstorms viewed from porches
Sunrises tinting the sky pink
Full moons
Tiny buds promising life
Laughter heard across a room
Colors and music
Glory sightings

This world holds nothing for me?
But what about….

Singing the praise of God
Scratching the dog’s velvet ears
Smiling at stupid jokes
Driving with the top open
Hugging a child taller than me
Reading the devotion of another
Talking with friends over coffee
Playing with words
Glory sightings

This world holds nothing for me?
But what about…

To care for my family
To make God visible to youth
To serve in ways I can’t imagine
To raise my children
To teach the word of God
To bring grace to my friends
To grow in faith
To love my husband
Glory sightings

This world holds nothing for me?
This world holds the kingdom.
This world holds God.
He’s here, not just there
Praise God, I don’t have to wait.
Praise God, love is here
The day is today
And the time is now.