I've been back to work for nearly three months since my illness, and I've been working differently than before. I'm much more conscious that it's not all up to me! Of course, that never was the case, but it's what I usually assumed -- that the fate of the whole enterprise was on my shoulders, and upon how hard I worked. What grace comes when God punctures that assumption.

During the weeks of helplessness, in the hospital and during the recovery at home, I couldn't carry any of the load. But the world kept on turning! That was a first-time experience for me. Since then, I have had eyes to see more clearly how little of the load I carry.

Just some examples from yesterday (Sunday). Riding my bicycle to the church, and seeing that the parking signs and cones were already in place on Jamestown Road. Hearing Michael's morning organ practice. Greeting members of the Altar Guild who were already busy at their work. Welcoming the acolytes as they arrived. Standing in the back hallway and listening as the choir warmed up, and greeting choir members as they came out of the choir room. Sitting before the service and watching as worshipers came in and made their ways to their places. Was there anything unusual in any of that? No, it was a typical Sunday morning. But what a miraculous thing the Spirit does every Sunday morning: calling us together, instilling in us a desire to worship and to serve. And, of course, that holds true during the week, as the Spirit motivates you in your ministries.

What release there is in realizing how little I do to make any of this happen! How joyous it is to receive it all, as gift from the Holy Spirit!