I woke up this morning (way too early, thanks to John), and I was still thinking about church last night. Specifically, the music. Perhaps it was that in conjunction with a video I watched earlier in the day:
(Zeb posted this a month or so ago. It inspired me then and inspires me now)
I watched that again yesterday afternoon while Jen was getting her toes did, and I was still thinking about it when we got to church and Jorge sang this song during communion:
I started thinking about truly dedicating my life to something, and what that actually meant.
here I am, take me…
When I got married, I dedicated the rest of my life to being with my wife in all circumstances, forsaking all others. I think it is very much like that when you offer yourself and your service (such as it may be) to Jesus.
I suppose that’s why the church is often referred to as “the bride of Christ.”
I tell myself that my natural affinities would not be useful to Jesus, and that he would never be able to use me for anything of consequence. This morning I realized Jesus doesn’t much care for our natural affinities. If we ask him to use us, he will.
A single lyric from this song popped into my head when that last sentence ran through my mind:
here I am, God, use me, set me aflame
I don’t have much to offer. I don’t have anything of worth. I’m no preacher, no evangelist. I’m getting a little long in the tooth, and lots of things hurt in the morning.
But I don’t want to waste another second of my life taking salvation for granted and serving my own ends first.
here I am, take me…
A Work in Progress 
Wow! Very deep, Tom. After reading your blog, I feel as if I had been able to attend church this morning. I know that is what Alan intended with his sermon… that we would all feel the renewal of dedication… a recommitment of our vows, if you will. I pray that many were affected in the same way you were. And I pray that you hear God’s direction. It is a beautimous thing when it happens. I am energized by your words.
The older I get I see that much of what we do comes down to a single word, able. We do what we are made “able” to do, whether we recognize it or not. I am now praying, Lord, please make me able.