“…learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.”

— Isaiah 1:17 NIV

The second anniversary of the day we became a couple was rapidly approaching. I got it in my head that I would write Julie a song to commemorate the occasion. Half way into the project I decided this song needed more than a guitar and vocal, it warranted a full-band arrangement. So, using my music software, I started to compose a complex recording involving drums and bass and keyboard and harmonies… and finally I finished my masterpiece in time to present it to Julie around 7:30 the night of our anniversary.

Her feelings were… mixed. She appreciated the song, but had hoped we would spend that day together. Instead, I had been holed up in the basement by myself while Julie waited by herself.

As Christians, we may be tempted to think the best way we can demonstrate our love for God is by attending worship services. We put on the fancy clothes, sing the songs, pray the prayers, write the checks, drink the coffee, make the small talk. And in doing so we feel we have given God a nice little gift each week. Don’t get me wrong, gathering at church is a wonderful thing, but I think Isaiah, and Jesus for that matter, would encourage us to express our devotion to God in less showy ways as well: by making time to simply be present with God, and by making time to simply be present with those whom God has placed in our lives, especially those enduring hardship.

Dear God, help us to give our whole lives to you as an offering and to know you more dearly with each passing day. Amen.