Audience of One

Today, your mom took me down to the trail behind Splash Montana and the YMCA 

so that I could run some mile splits. 

I know that you may not care about times, but here they are: 

1st mile warm up: 8:13

2nd mile split: 7:17

3rd mile split 7:13 

3rd mile split: 7:05

4th mile split: 7:05 

My goal was to try to get faster each mile, and I did. As I was coming around the bend for my third mile repeat, the phrase "Audience of One" came to mind. 

There were lots of people around- soccer players, other runners, walkers, families with kids, etc.  I did not know anyone, and they weren't paying any attention to my running. 

 But, I knew I was running before God and I could commit even these small miles to Him.  

Did you know that Bach signed his scores and compositions with the letters S.D.G. at the end: Soli Deo Gloria (to God alone be the glory).  He also wrote this at the beginning of his compositions: J.J. Jesu Juva.

Jesus, help. 

Jesus, help me to make something beautiful for You. 

In this letter. 

In this run. 

In this home.  

In this story. 

In this music. 

In this lesson. 

Lanier Iverster wrote, "Not only can I not do it truly, essentially, without You. I can’t do it for You without You."

So my prayer for you this morning around on the gravel loop was that you would be able to know God's delight in you as you stand before Him as your audience. You are incredibly gifted on stage, and I know the cheers from the crowds and the attention are exciting at times. But those cheers may not always be there, and my prayer is that you would be anchored before God and that you would carry a deep sense of belonging in your heart as you live your life and make something beautiful for God with your days.