I Will Praise You the Same

5:15pm is a special time in our household. 
It is when our world is complete again.
It is when Daddy gets home!

From the minute we get home from school, 
my son and I eye the clock.
We anxiously await his arrival, 
eager for a glimpse of his truck. 

When he arrives, it’s a race to his arms. 
My son barrels out the door with a bright smile, 
celebrating and screaming, “Daddy’s home!”

Last night looked a little different though…
and I learned yet another valuable lesson from watching my son.

My son was playing in the front yard with a neighbor when my husband arrived. Instead of his usual celebration, my son’s reaction was suppressed and nearly silent. He gave a wave, mentioned “Daddy’s home,” then fixed his focus back to his friend.

My heart broke a little, 
realizing that I do the same thing to God.

My reactions and affections change 
based on the audience around me.

When I worship alone or with close friends, 
I give Him my all. I run full-speed into His presence, eager for a moment with Him.
When I am around people I want to please, 
my praise changes.

I wonder what others will think. 
Am I doing too much? Not enough?

I sing a suppressed version of the 
worship song that is in my heart.

As I sit and reflect on my worship, intimately and corporately, I am sad.
Sad that I have allowed others to dictate my praise and celebration.
Sad that I have missed moments of joy in my Father’s presence.

Just like my hardworking husband is worthy of a celebration, my Heavenly Father is worthy of so much more.
He is worth facing my fear and worshiping fervently.
He is worth laying down my pride and praising fully.
He is worth stepping out of my comfort zone.
He is worth all my focus and devotion.

So, tonight I will worship.
Fully. Fervently. Wholly.
With all that I am.

I will run into my Father’s arms and proclaim, “My Father is here!”

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.
Psalm 9:1-2

Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! 
No one can measure his greatness.
Psalm 145:3