Thoughts from here and there….Have you arrived?

Jan Salisbury was a psychotherapist and organizational consultant. In a presentation to the Washington State Attorney General’s State Conference in September, 1986, she read to her listeners the following:

I Have Arrived.
I have not seen the plays in town
only the computer printouts
I have not read the latest books
only The Wall Street Journal
I have not heard birds sing this year
only the ringing of phones
I have not taken a walk anywhere
but from the parking lot to my office
I have not shared a feeling in years
but my thoughts are known to all
I have not listened to my own needs
but what I want I get
I have not shed a tear in ages
I have arrived.
Is this where I was going?

Is this where I was going? This is a question that very pointedly addresses the stresses and strains of modern life. Is this where I was going? Is also revealing because of what is not mentioned.

There is a remedy. Why not include attendance at worship. Worship exposes us, in a more intense way, to the presence of God. Worship is an expression of our faith in God. Worship gives you the opportunity to raise your voice in singing the great songs of the past and the present. Songs of praise as well as songs of penitence.

Worship provides you with the opportunity to share in laughter and sometimes in tears. Worship connects us with friend and would-be friends. Worship can soothe the troubled mind and bring relief to the anxious spirit.

Is this where I was going? There is a remedy. It is simple. It is worthwhile.