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Karnes County's community newspaper

(published on December 13, 2006)

Wake up call

Folks I received a wake up call the other Sunday morning while sitting comfortably in church.

Our minister came right out and asked me, along with the rest of the congregation, what we were doing there. Were we there because of habit? Did we come to hear the choir? What about being there to see friends? These and other questions he asked us. Then he proceeded to ask us just what we were thinking about. Were we wondering if it would be a lengthy sermon? Thinking about where we were going for Sunday dinner? Oh he hit us right between the eyes with soul searching questions.

He did admit that it is nice to hear the choir, see friends, etc. However the real reason for going to church is to worship God! He is right of course. I don’t know about the rest of the congregation but my mind does wander and I find myself not thinking about worshiping God but on worldly things. Although many of my thoughts are not evil, my mind is not focused on worshipping God.

These ideas kept flashing through my mind during the week. In fact I even expanded them to other areas in my life. Take the famous Texas handshake. Do I do this just out of habit or am I really glad to meet or greet this person? Do I take friends and loved ones for granted? Is my mind on something else when they are talking or asking a question? Do I show appreciation for the many things others do and have done for me? Is my mind so filled with self and what appeals to me that I do not give much thought about worshipping God or my fellow man?

That is a tough question and deserves a thoughtful and truthful answer!

Folks, I’m working on it!

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