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Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
Psalm 96:1-3
A Harp on Wheels
Last week, I was waiting for my mom who was having a routine procedure in a different wing of the Valley View Hospital in Glenwood. Instead of staying in the designated waiting area, I wandered downstairs and sat in my favorite chair in the cancer center. The chair is a large comfy chair next to the massive fireplace. I have sat in that very chair many times waiting for my dad who was in treatment years ago before, and it felt like a second home. Memories filled my heart while the fire warmed my right shoulder. I reached into my backpack to retrieve my laptop and began working.
While sitting and working, over the rim of my laptop, I could see various people walking by. Some were visitors, others were patients. Some were smiling, others were suffering. I took many different moments throughout the morning to say short prayers, “Lord be with them.” I would then continue my work and people-watching. I saw doctors in their full scrubs walk by, janitors with carts cruise by, and then something rolled by, something that really caught my attention. It was a harp on wheels! I am not kidding. Fastened to a rectangular wooden board was a beautiful harp, with two wheels protruding beyond its base. The tall stringed instrument leaned back, with its decorative wooden frame serving the dual purpose of string holder and handle for its owner. Next to the harp was a slim metal stand holding a large iPad, presumably for “sheet” music. The proud musician wheeled her rolling stringed contraption across the tile floor toward the elevator.
Seeing this movable musical instrument made me think about the harp itself. How beautiful are its tunes when played by a talented musician! But a harp in an isolated room can only be enjoyed by the one who is playing the instrument, but a harp on wheels can go anywhere! I thought a harp on wheels could go onto the street corner, or into the classroom. A harp on wheels could travel into homes, a gym, a warehouse, an office, a coffee shop, and even a hospital room where others can hear beautiful tunes.
You know what? God created us with wheels too- legs to go out and share the Good News of Jesus. We can share His invitation and promise with the entire world. We can travel as His disciples by speaking Truth and loving others as He first loved us. We can meet people where they are, and introduce them to Jesus who offers eternal life.
What a joy it is to serve with all of you carrying out God’s mission for us. This week, enjoy your wheels.
In Christ Jesus our Risen Lord,
Pastor Austin
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