Hymns and other old songs

Last night i went to the associational meeting for the Portland area. I think the associational meetings are the same anywhere you go in the country. Its a bunch of old people wearing the same clothes, singing out-dated songs, and talking about money and missions. So, when a couple got up to sing the 1876 & 1981 southern gospel smash-hit "Sweet Beulah Land" i began to check out mentally. I have a hard time connecting with lyrics that are based off of a single verse in the King James Version and a concept from "Pilgrims Progress." It is a language that is foreign and largely an idea that is foreign. So, when i am unable to praise God with the lyrics of a song i look elsewhere. Usually to my left or right.

Due to the diner style set-up of the meeting i was able to see most of the people in the room. Most of the faces were blank and appeared to be disengaged from song as well. I think most Baptists have gotten quite accustomed to politely staring at a singer or speaker as their mind is engaged elsewhere (or maybe i'm projecting, i dunno). However, amidst the disengaged were also two people with indescribable joy on their face. One lady who had to at least be in her 80's and another older man who was mouthing along with the words. I then praised God that he touches each one of us individually. My musical and language preferences are not superior to that of the old lady's; just different. I doubt that i will ever really enjoy "Beulah Land" for its content, but i can praise God and enjoy it knowing that it holds profound meaning and significance to another generation.
As i seek to engage my culture and become more sensitive to how our churches alienate outsiders i find myself becoming increasingly more critical of styles, traditions, and anything else that is neither biblical or culturally relevant. (like organs) Though i think these observations are good and warrant contemplation for how i should conduct things in the future, i mustn't become pretentious or arrogant. It is a battle that i'm sure i will fight for the rest of my life. Pride is such an easy hole to fall into that sometimes we stop trying to climbing out and instead justify our sin. I don't want to do that.

On a different note, the message was really great, and i'm excited about the way the convention is heading. Also, like the 12 year old ADD kid that i am, i was playing with coffee creamers the hole night. Inevitably, if one plays with those little tubs long enough, one of them will explode. This happened in the middle of the sermon and sent creamer all over our table and onto my pastor and his planner. Yep. That's what happened. He just smiled and wiped off his planner. Afterwards he told me that the best part of the night was watching Kelly get honored for 20 years of service, the 2nd best part was the sermon, and the 3rd best part was seeing creamer explode everywhere in the middle of a sermon. I love Norm. He is an awesome guy.