Editing Life

www.ridgecrestumc.com

I am writing this on Tuesday morning. Monday was chaos at the church--it almost always is. Lots of "stuff" to finish up from Sunday. I was finally able to set down at the computer and work on the recording of the Choir Christmas Cantata. About a year ago, we started recording the service using an MP3 recorder. Because it is a little tricky to work, I am always concerned that we will not get a good recording. So, as I copied the file, I held my breathe to see if it recorded correctly--and it did!!! (The Cantata should be on the net within about a week)

Once the recording of the entire service is copied onto the computer, I then use an audio editing software to create the segments that I want to post on our website. Normally, I only copy the special music and sermon. But for the Cantata, it was all special.

Now, in case you weren't here on Sunday, you should know that I made a boo-boo. I misread my bulletin and stood up to do the offering--one song too early! As always, I made a joke out of it and went on. Of course, it didn't help that Rev. Dan Pulver, the District Superintendent (read "My Boss") was in the congregation. But anyway, I proved once again that I'm just like everyone else. I (we) are human and make mistakes.

If you listen to the Cantata on the Internet, you will not know that I messed up. You see, when I went to edit the recording, I just eliminated the part where I goofed. Not only did I get rid of the part where I spoke too early, but I also eliminated the reference I made to it when it was time to take the offering. All I had to do was highlight those sections, click on the right mouse button and then click on "CUT". And that was it. Mistake gone.

Wouldn't it be nice if life was like that. If when you made a mistake, all you had to do was click a few buttons and the mistake would disappear--as if it never happened. Of course, in one way, it does. When we make the big mistakes--what we refer to as sin--and confess to God, asking for forgiveness, they are gone. The Bible says that they are cast as far away from us as if they were sunk in the deepest part of the deepest ocean. That's how the blood of Christ works. Because of the work on the cross, our sins are washed away, as if they never existed.

But things don't work that way with our fellow humans. The mistakes we make sometimes hurt other people. There is nothing we can say--no button you can push--to make them go away. Wounds can heal, over time. But there is almost always a scar. While this is a time of great joy for many, the Christmas season is also a time of pain for some. Families come together, even the parts that don't get along. Past events get replayed and old wounds get reopened.

Yesterday, someone was in my office who talked with me about a friend who was recently diagnosed with a deadly form of cancer. This friend was fairly young--only about 60. She had planned to retire at 62 and write a book--something she may not get the opportunity to start or finish. One of the lessons learned: Don't put it off! Start writing that book today!

I would say the same for you, this holiday season. If there are things that need to be said-- wounds that need to be mended--then say them. Don't put it off until 2007 because you just don't think it is the right time. There may never be a right time. Today is the only thing that is certain. Tomorrow--the future--is only a possibility. During this season, reach out and say "I Love You" to someone that needs to hear it from you. And remember to pray for all those who are hurting and grieving this season. The Christ Child comes especially for those who are in need. Pray that they might experience healing as they stand in the miraculous light of the guiding star and kneel at the manger. Worship Christ the Newborn King!