On the other side

On saturday evening I called a church I found on the Internet that is just 5 miles from the truck stop I'm in. I called the church again Sunday morning and talked with the pastor to ask for a ride to service. He said if a young man came that he would send him to get me. He didn't show up! I was reflecting over 30 years of ministry if I as a pastor had recieved similar phone messages from people wanting to be picked up for service. I know that I went on many personal pickups to bring different ones to church and I'm sure that there was a time or two that it just didn't work out to pick up a needy soul. Now that I am on the "other side" it is interesting to catch a glimpe of "church life" with a different perspective. If someday I get back into ministry, I will have a more understanding knowledge of what some of peoples needs are and try to do a better job at meeting those needs. So, here I am in my truck having my own worship time, thank God that he promised never to leave us or to forsake us, His presence is here but I miss gathering with Gods people for worship. Last Sunday at home it was so wonderful to be with family worshipping God together. I'm learning to be thankful for the things that I took for granted when my mind and efforts were focused on other matters. I guess that God is still working on all of us! It is a joy to serve others.