Observation or Participation

In the five months between my last Interim Pastorate and the present one, I preached and visited numerous churches.  The various worship styles reminded me that I worship better when I am a participant, versus when I am an observer. I suppose there is a place for spectator worship, and I am certainly in favor of new worship songs, but I just prefer joining in, which I cannot do unless I am familiar with the words. So, teach me one new song per worship service rather than ask me to stand for twenty minutes and watch others sing words I do not know.  Someone posted on social media recently that if one cannot enjoy watching others worship, they might not enjoy heaven.  My immediate response was to ask how I could even watch others sing when the lights are all down on low and the spotlight is on the leaders, but that is for another discussion.  I doubt failure to enjoy is even a possibility in heaven.  I can’t imagine an inability to enjoy all of heaven’s features.  In addition, when I finally have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5) I will know all the songs of heaven, even the new songs (Revelation 5:9; 14:13).  So, for now, please don’t relegate me to the category of worship observer, and even though I barely make a joyful noise when I sing (Psalm 66:1), allow me the joy of participation and let’s fulfill the Lord’s word to Haggai, “I will fill this house with glory” (Haggai 2:7, NASB). End of senior adult rant.  You may now disagree but remember to be nice to old people.