Lunch meeting jealousy,

An attitude of worship,

& Sleep smarts

My wife Tracie is jealous that I've had three lunch meetings this week - jealous because she stays at home with four kids all day and eats PB & J for lunch. Meanwhile, I'm at some waterfront restaurant yukking it up with friends and co-workers. Can you feel her pain? Yesterday I met with my pastor at Panera Bread in Grand Haven. I love their sandwiches! For a moment, I thought about bringing some Cinnamon Crunch bagels for Tracie and the kids, but didn't because I Tracie said we're a little tight on cash this month. Listen to the voice of experience - it is NOT the thought that counts! Next time BUY THE STINKIN' BAGELS! My pastor and I had a good talk about the worship team (for which I'm responsible). I don't actually lead the worship, but I'm the elder who oversees it. I also play guitar and provide background vocals. There was a time when I wanted to take full control of the team and lead worship. Having lead worship off and on since my youth group days, and having played guitar, drums, and keys at times, I believed I could do a better job and would have the committment to be there for all practices and services (something that's been a struggle in our small church). But the second my pastor said he wanted to sit down and talk about it, I realized what's most important in God's work is not your qualifications - it's your heart. My motives were prideful and controlling - why should I expect God to honor that? So, I'll stay in the background knowing that God is truly using the worship leader we have now. Have you ever gone to bed fully clothed (and sober) and woke up under the sheets buck naked with no idea where your pants are? Weird things happen while you're asleep. For two nights in a row I've awaken in the middle of the night sans clothing. I start kicking around under the sheets in a search for my pants...nothing. So I get up to use the bathroom and step onto this flannel lump on the carpet - MY PANTS! Then, I've got to get them on in the dark. I feel around the waist band, find the label that lets me know which side goes in back, and I slip them on. By now, I'm wide awake - and starting to sweat under the covers. Is is possible that I'm smarter while sleeping?