The Smell Of Worship

Image by duopastorale via Flickr

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:23-24

Today was my day for practising the organ at church. The instrument is tucked away right at the back of the church high up in the gallery. After I climb the two flights of stairs and have unlocked the gallery door, I look down into the church and can see all the comings and goings. More often than not, one or two are bowed in prayer, or kneeling at the altar rail. Sometimes people are praying together or quietly talking.

Always on a Tuesday I see Jean. When she sees me up at the organ she waves her duster to say hi. Jean is not praying. She is cleaning. She works with all her heart and always with a joyful smile. Sometimes when I play, Jean joins in with the hoover and we make a joyful noise together. As I look around the church and smell the lilies, and the aroma from Jeans duster, I smell worship. I know that God is honoured and glorified in this scenario just as much as in a Sunday morning service. After I've grown tired of practice, I switch off the organ and turn to wave goodbye. Jean gives me a wave back. She is still working away and will be long after I'm gone.