God. Family. Church.

I was recently reading a thread in a discussion forum about ministry and priorities. Someone posted something to the effect of:

Our priorities should be God. Family. Church.

I think that’s wonderful. I’ve heard it before. In fact, many, many times. I’ve heard it in staff meetings. I’ve heard it at leadership conferences and prayer retreats. I’ve seen it on forums. I’ve seen it on twitter.

It’s a great simple reminder that we can and should prioritize our lives.

This is a photo capturing one of my favorite recent moments in “worship leading.” As you can see, it’s me and my wife, Lydia, leading worship. What you can’t really see is the folks gathered to worship. It’s not an adult service, or even a college service.

It’s a gathering for middle schoolers.

We were so honored to be included in this worship gathering. The kids sang their hearts our and I remember thinking vividly while leading worship that morning that it has been ages since I’ve actually HEARD a full room of young people singing out their worship to God like they were. It wasn’t because we were rad worship leaders or because we rocked their faces off.

It was just me and a guitar and my lovely wife (who actually jumped on stage about 7 minutes before we started because the young lady that was schedule to sing with me couldn’t make it). It wasn’t a spectacular performance or well-rehearsed set. It was us, God, and the kids…and a few simple songs of worship.

It was great.

Before I ramble on too much about that. I just wanted to post that out of the many years that I courted and dated my wife, I’ve never really invited her to join me in my “worship leading” experiences. I think she’s relatively ok with that, but still, after this weekend I wonder if I’ve missed out on many golden opportunities. She’s not really the in your face, get up in front of people, kind of a performer, but she’s a great singer and picks up harmonies well. I loved…absolutely loved…having her by my side.

So there we are.

Both of us worshiping God, side by side, leading the “church” in worship.

I could get used to this!