So, I think I "get it" now.

I've experienced those rare moments of clarity and understanding, but sometimes it takes a good, literal, visual clue to point me in the right direction.

This past Sunday, I had the pleasure of "attempting" to play music at two, different religious services.

I always feel awkward playing music in a setting like that because I really don't want to mess up.

It's one thing if you hit a bum note in front of a bunch of dancing drunks in a "honky tonk," (Haven't done that in years) but I'd hate to incur the wrath of God if I go to a "C" when I'm supposed to be playing a "G."

I've been assured I will not be smote for such.

What I'm trying to say is it really means a lot to me to get to play music in a religious setting-be it a church, a jail revival (Coming up next week!), a service at the marina-whatever.

I want to do the best I can for Him, because He's been so good to me.

Wise people have advised me not to worry so much, to just allow Him to flow through me.

I let the whole "human element" get in the way, and I start thinking...then I start worrying...then my mind starts wondering...and I start panicking...start wondering things like, "What song are we playing?", "Have we done the chorus yet?" "What chord do we go to next?"

The other day, however, before the music started, it was almost as if I heard Him say, "Just relax and enjoy this time of worship."

Of course, I'm looking around-wondering if anyone else heard what I thought I heard. All I saw was people smiling, singing, praising.

Hmmm.

I then noticed a lot of these people looked...familiar.

There was a couple of old friends, someone I worked with, someone I see whenever I go to the store, someone I see whenever I stop to put gasoline in the vehicle.

It occurred to me that, by golly, you know what?

Maybe we really are all in this thing together.

For some odd reason I used to think there was "religious people," and everybody else.

I was part of the latter group because I never did think I would "fit in" or be "allowed" to participate. (Yeah, I can laugh about it now, too.)

My latest epiphany is "Love is all around,"-and by that I mean the love of the Lord, and the love people have for Him.

Sometimes I want to do the Homer Simpson "D'oh!" thing when I realize it's always been there, and I wonder what I've been missing out on for so long.

Here's another thing I've realized.

(I'm going from a "D'oh" to a "DUH!")

When I practice "proper fellowship" (which basically means being around good people, doing good things), things just seem to go better.

My outlook and attitude is much-improved.

I think and react in more positive and productive way.

When I miss church, or if I go for a period of time getting too wrapped up in worldly things, things are just, well, a mess.

And it's really our choice-Would you rather have blessings, or curses?

Should be an easy decision, right?

There are some major challenges in my life right now, and although I get those occasional pangs of fear, I'm going to try to grab the brass ring, or more importantly, the hem of His garment, and keep "Pressing On," as the song goes.

There is great relief in looking forward to what each, new days holds, instead of dreading it.

I like that "goofy" feel I get as I'm falling in love with the Lord.

It's better than a thousand teenage crushes.

(And certainly more "real.")

Living with the Lord in your heart is like stumbling across some great "secret."

But wait...it's not, is it?

(Cue the music, please...)

"It Is No Secret, What God Can Do."