Maybe I should be a painter...

My girlfriend, Andraea Christner, opened her own business back in January - Sophia's Bridal, Tux, and Prom. I helped in the construction process of the store. Actually, all I did was help paint and put some flooring down. But, I really enjoyed it.

I am a worship leader at Mount Pleasant Christian Church in Greenwood, IN. "I believe that the church is the most powerful organism for change in the world," someone once said. I agree with that statement. My "job" can be very frustrating sometimes. Don't get me wrong, I feel very privileged, honored, and blessed to do what I do. But, there are so many times when I don't see tangible results in my line of work; no fruits of my labor. People always come back with, "well, just know that you're storing up treasures in heaven." True, but sometimes that answer doesn't satisfy.

However, today was a different day. I have been teaching guitar to Cody Johnson. He's twelve, plays soccer, wears Pumas, and is really, really quiet. We have had two one-hour sessions and he already knows 4 chords (G, C, Em, and D for you guitar players). Since Cody is so quiet, I have wondered what he's thinking. I wonder if he's really getting anything out of the lessons.

His mom, Lori, caught me this morning on her way to aerobics up here at the church. She told me that he was "so excited" when he got home from guitar lessons last night. His brother and sister "were in awe" and this guitar thing "is his glory". She said that he was thinking about playing a worship song that I taught him at the school talent show in three weeks. One of the greatest parts about the story is that he's light years ahead of where I was in my development as far as guitar goes. What a cool kid!!

I envy painters and construction workers sometimes. They begin a project from nothing and by the end of the project, they can see the results of the work of their hands. Then, they move on and start all over again. Some projects are probably really simple and some are challenging.

After my girlfriend's shop (Sophia's) was completely painted, I thought about being a painter for about a week. I mean, I really contemplated a career change. But, I know that's not what I'm supposed to be doing. My job doesn't always have visible results, but when the Cody Johnsons of the world appear on the scene, God nudges me on with just the right amount of encouragement.