There’s this guy at church who plays the drums. He’s from South America, and according to his roommate, he never stops moving. Even when he’s not playing, he’s playing. He is Rhythm. During the songs, I watch him, mesmerized. He’s all there–fully engaged and attached to what he is doing–not even noticing that there are hundreds of people out in the congregation. The drumsticks are his arms and the big bass drum is an extenstion of his leg. Playing the drums is breathing to him. He looks like he is doing what he was MADE to do.
Watching him play makes me think about God way more than the worship songs do. He is beauty, and motion and rhythm and life. The guy has this gift, and he is using it exactly the way God seems to intend–pointing the way back to Himself. I’m blown away by this example of God giving us gifts and then using them for His purposes. And I’m hopeful that God does indeed have something that He’s given to me–something that I do or maybe will do that seems like breathing.
I want to live there–in the place where I’m doing what I’ve been made to do, and it doesn’t matter who’s watching.Ā I wonder sometimes if God is using me at all, or am I just waiting until I find my ‘calling.’ I think, maybe He’ll use me if I go to grad school, or volunteer at the homeless shelter. Maybe He’ll use me when I write a book or start a Bible study. What feels like breathing to me? What are the effortless things, the activities or ways of being that I’m fully engaged in, or that I love?
And then I think, God is probably using me behind my back. I bet He is sneaky like that. I mean, this guy was just playing the drums, doing something he obviously loved, right? I’m sure he has no idea that I’ve been thinking and thinking about God and calling and vocation and gifts just because he helped out with the worship band. He doesn’t know that watching him made me want to be closer to God and to serve Him with the best things I have in me.
Some people seem to have GIFTS, you know? It is obvious what they are supposed to do. But maybe it isn’t so obvious to them. Maybe lots of people feel like me–wondering, comparing, hoping for something good to do for God, and we’re already doing it and don’t know it. Maybe it’s not about gifts at all, but being faithful in the right now, doing what is in front of us.
What I do know is that God made us and prepared us for the good work He has for us to do. I just wonder what that work is.
“Being faithful in the right now. Doing what is right in front of us!” You defined it well, honey. Just the fact that you desire to do what God has called you to do, everything you do then glorifies God. You are doing it!!!!!!…..in so many ways. I love you. Mom
I wonder about this, too.
Girl, you really got me on this one. Our Sunday School class just did spiritual gifts assessments. I don’t particularly like those things! And, as usual, I surprised myself with the results. I’m not so good at the things I thought I was. ha.
Anyway, this all led to some analyzing of my strengths, weaknesses, passions. And I decided to get more active in my pursuit of a “calling.” I want to use the passions that God has given me, to glorify Him. Thanks.
THIS is one of your callings. You speak to others. You get us motivated and thinking. You get the blood flowing, and make God’s people move. It’s a great talent! So I guess God is indeed using you behind your back. š
“What feels like breathing to me?” That’s a great way of asking the question. I have to speak in my church this week and I’m going to talk about ‘being saints to each other’. using our gifts to uplift others.
and that’s what your blog does for me when I read it, Shelley. It makes me think, it makes me feel calm, it lets me know that there are others walking a similar journey. Thank you – I’m guessing you don’t notice how God uses you here because it feels like breathing to you.
Thanks, Wendy and sjsmom. I appreciate the good comments about my blog.
Wendy, I checked out your post on photography–you go girl! I can’t wait to see how God works it out for you. š