I have told stories over the years about our Miniature Schnauzer Max's interest in and severe reaction to chocolate. He has been to the veterinary emergency room several times, providing interesting sermon material for me, and perhaps a new wing on the home of the ER doctor who has attended him. Of late, Max's tastes seem to reflect a more mature outlook on life. I don't mean to imply that he wouldn't snarf down a chocolate cupcake or two...or six if they were placed before him, but lately he seems to be concerned about dental hygiene. Several times over the last few months, Max has nuzzled his way into Clayton's backpack and found the sugar-free gum. Perhaps it's the promise of "fresh breath" on the packaging that draws his attention. Of course, Max does nothing lightly, so if chewing one piece is good, chomping on the whole pack is even better! In his haste to achieve this better dental hygiene, Max considers the benefits of fiber as well for he eats not only the gum, but also the individual wrapper and the outside packaging. The only evidence left behind is the disheveled backpack (to be honest, it's kind of hard when looking at a teenager's backpack to judge whether anything has been moved or not), the occasional sliver of a gum wrapper scattered across the floor, and of course, Max's minty fresh breath (I can tell you that is a true benefit of the process).
His desire to achieve this hygienic improvement is not limited to Clayton's backpack. Last week, Cindy found her purse on the floor and her Dentyne mysteriously missing. The trail of course, led to Max, who offered that innocent "who, me?" look that he has mastered through the years. So, in the future, if you stop by and find Max chewing or perhaps blowing bubbles, don't be offended if he doesn't offer you any gum...he is convinced, as with everything else, that it is all for him.
Worship is something we often believe is all for us. We hope the music will be the kind or style we prefer, the sermon interesting, but not too long, the instruments played well, but not too loud. Like Max, we tend to think it is all about us. And yet, worship has little to do with us and everything to do with the Creator of the universe. The Psalmist writes, "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker; for he is our God." Gathering as a body of believers to worship is a gift we offer not to each other, but to the living God. We share this gift as a community, a congregation whose purpose is to honor the One who has given all.
This Sunday, we will gather for worship, led by our youth. They will lead in all aspects of the service. We will also recognize our graduates and give thanks to God for this important achievement in their lives. This will be worship designed for a purpose...to honor God. I hope you will be present, yes to encourage our young people, but also, to worship alongside them so that together, we might all praise the Lord!
Meanwhile, I will try to replace Max's latest obsession with something a bit more healthy...perhaps I could place a toothbrush and toothpaste beside his food dish...of course that would most likely result in another trip to the ER...I can just imagine the x-ray as the doctor points to the shadowy image on the screen and asks, "How did he swallow a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste at the same time???" Maybe it would just be easier to give him a Hershey bar!
Jim Abernathy
