This Sinners Prayer

Most of us, who have come to terms with our past and current condition, have all had the option of making an appearance before the Almighty. After an inventory of our spiritual hygiene and the potential outcome of future considerations we arrive at the proverbial fork in the road. At this point we are literally forced to choose a path which will ultimately take us into eternity. An atheist may say that he doesn’t believe in God or the eternal scenario but in the end there is no such thing as an atheist. I can’t believe I ate that much; It’s unbelievable how high the taxes are and I believe I’ll have another beer. These are a few of the deniably undeniable belief-isms that are utilized when choosing not to accept the simple terms laid down by a loving God. Since these excuses are not in the best interest of decision makers, let’s see where the other road goes.

After a suitable time in the parking lot of the last truck stop one becomes aware that it is time to do something with the day ahead. Since we know that alcohol, drugs and whores are not just for breakfast anymore, some of us had to actually deposit our serious iniquities in the dumpster before moving on. Others who have no such history often assume that they don’t have far to go so may take advantage of sleeping till noon and then lollygagging in the gift shop. I have an overabundance of comparisons but such is life especially when it comes to being overloaded and asking for directions. Once we realize that we don’t know where we’re going it becomes easier to inquire as to a recommended route to somewhere other than here.

In my case, I came to the negotiating table without a clue or an excuse for my proir ignorant assumptions. At the time I didn’t think that I was conceited but thought that I had good reason to be. At first my certifiably foolish interviews with the Lord and the subsequent following meetings consisted of a little Bible knowledge and plenty of good presupposed notions about everything else. I wasn’t all that sure that I wanted anything to do with God in the first place and it never occurred to me that Him having anything to do with me was not necessarily in His best interest. I remember thinking that if I’m going to attend this party I want to make sure from the start that I’m on the right train and that it’s going in the right direction. I didn’t linger long in researching through the Big Book of World Religions to come to a conclusion but I did have the presence of mind to realize that there is in fact not many ways to get to heaven. Once that observation was solidified in my thinking then the next step was obvious. I must approach my maker on His terms before I die. In due time my resolve was broken down and I found myself in an old fashioned Pentecostal church.

I don’t remember the day or the hour. I don’t recall the name of the preacher who was speaking or what he was talking about. He could have been quoting from a JC Penny’s Catalog for all I know but I do know that I was onto the most awesome experience that I’ve ever encountered. My life was poured out like water and I wasn’t coached to repeat a manufactured off the rack prewritten statement. What I did say was something in the order of; Lord, forgive me, I am a sinner. Nothing was the same after that and I found Jesus to be the same everyday thereafter. He is not now nor has He ever been in the repetitious sinner’s prayer business. If you’re seeing a Y sign ahead and you are navigationally impaired, I suggest that you keep your questions simple and your response genuine as you accept your directional disabilities and change course. Keep your mind and heart inside the faith at all times until the journey has come to a full and complete stop.

T. LaVigne

A Tale of Two Waitings

In every town there is an eatery of one kind or another. Down the street from a fine restaurant there is a take out joint with the bare minimum in style or class. With fast food we get fast service, paper plates and plastic forks. The drinks are in a fairly clean cooler and all the smells seem to be of the appropriate odor. The proprietor sometimes is seen in a dirty apron, maintains an unshaved face and may scratch himself while expressing his usual welcome. He continues to provide you with the same service that you have come to expect. After all you don’t have the time or the desire to be seen in this particular dive. You pay the man and carry your boxed item to a safe distance to consume your junk cuisine without the benefit of actually tasting it. Before we choke on the subject let’s move up the food chain and go down the street.
At a fine establishment it’s a different meal entirely. You put on a clean shirt and your best behavior before you enter the door. The maitre d’ is dressed in a tuxedo and uses polite terms when asking about a reservation. This venue includes a tablecloth and shining silverware with an assortment of courses and choices. A waiter with a bow tie arrives with a presentation of the various options to put the experience into motion. Some small talk may ensue but it will be cut short with the preliminary drink and salad onsemble prepared by a crack kitchen crew. The music is appropriate, the entrée is awesome and the company is pleasant. How about a nice little slice of perspective for dessert?
If you were invited to participate in entertaining the Lord for the evening and it was up to you to lay out the sequence of events, the table and the ambiance; just what kind of an experience would it be for you and the Lord? In the first scenario I would very much just like to get it over with; you know, with the ritual and the basic expectation and all. I mean the food is hot, fast and comes in an attractive cardboard box and you assume the Lord prefers fast service. In by 10am and out by 11:15. Classic rock hymns, a no frills message, no bible and a really short prayer. Appearance is optional and you don’t have to deal with the clientele until next Sunday. The convenience of clever movie clip theology and a list of condiments projected on the wall works for everybody.
Now the fancy bistro is a different story. You greet the Lord at the beginning of the day and offer to accompany Him to His table which consists of your whole life spread out before Him. You have taken your personal appearance seriously and pay no attention to the time it takes to serve Him. As you minister to His need it may require that you see to the cleanness of your own surroundings. Working out your own salvation does employ sorting through your priorities before presenting the menu to the Lord. As a waiter, seeing to His refreshment should be a constant presence of mind. Common courtesy to others and a pleasant attitude in worship while in His service is the essence of the atmosphere. As for you as a waiter; your gratuities run over and He has prepared a table before you in the presence of your enemies. Try to digest this slowly; it’s more about being of service than being served and more about serving Him as opposed to just attending a service. Who knows? The bow tie might be a nice change.

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31.
Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually. Hosea 12:6
T. LaVigne