Unexpected Hurdles

It seems some years, it always snows on the same day of the week. It appears to fall on Saturday evening going into Sunday too often. I don’t like it starting this early in the season though. I woke up to 6-8 inches of snow on the ground. More than I expected by the forecast, but it was a lighter snow. I was able to drive through it ok, but with many older people, I can understand why everyone wasn’t so adventurous. The first service was very small, compared to normal, but the second service was a little bigger than normal. I would love not to have the weather surprises, but I have to admit that I wasn’t really praying for God to provide favorable weather. What if the musicians weren’t able to make it? I would either have to lead acapella (voices only, without instruments) or find some hymns I could play with the guitar. Would it feel normal? Probably not. I guess I figure that if people are there for the worship and not just doing everything by habit, it can still be powerful. We can still worship, even if it doesn’t go the way we always do it. As a matter of fact, sometimes when we change things up, we can actually get more out of that time of worship. Well, how few are too few to have worship? If there is anyone else other than myself, and they are willing to stay for worship, I will gladly do that. I will probably give a more abbreviated version, but we will worship all the same. After all, Jesus said "Where two of three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst." I take that at face value. What if there is a power outage? Cars still work, although garage doors might need to be manually lifted. If it is at night, we can light some candles. I remember doing that during a Bible study once. I might need to raise my voice, but generations have worshiped without electricity. What if the pastor can’t make it there. If the musician is able, and we are blessed with such musicians, the congregation can pick hymns to sing to fill in time. The Scripture can still be read, prayers can still be offered up, liturgy and confessions can be included, and a blessing can be given to close the time of worship. Roadblocks cause us to adjust, but they don’t silence the heart's desire. It is very important to still gather to worship, even if it is a shorter time. Father, please keep the snow from interfering with worship this church year. Open our hearts to declare Your praises. Amen