Late for Church

This morning was weird. I overslept and didn't have enough time to attend the 9:30 AM worship service at my church that I normally attend. "No problem," I thought. "I'll just attend the 11:00 AM service." What I didn't plan on was being held up by a major accident on the Interstate that I take to church. Two of the three lanes were blocked as the police, ambulances, and tow trucks did their work. Traffic was backed up for a couple of miles. By the time I got to my exit, it was time for the service to start and I was still about fifteen minutes away from the church.
I almost thought about turning around and going home. I hate to be late to anything. I always used to wonder when I was a pastor why some of my congregation members were chronically late for worship. It just seemed like it wasn't really important to them or that they were poor planners. While that may be the case for some, I realize that sometimes being late just can't be helped. Sometimes there are barriers in our way and we are doing the best we can to get where we need to go on this journey of life.
As I was stopped on the Interstate, one thing I did manage to do was to take time to pray. At first I prayed for myself that I would not be so frustrated about being late to church. Then I prayed for whoever was in the accident. I prayed for their safety and for their healing if they were hurt. I also prayed for the rescue workers and police as they went about their jobs. I also prayed for the doctors, nurses, and other hospital workers as they prepared to receive patients.
On my drive home, I found myself wondering if maybe God didn't allow me to be late so that I could learn something. It's the lesson that I never seem to really learn: It's not all about me. So, while I felt embarrassed when I wandered into the sanctuary as the service had already begun, I once again was reminded that that the world does not revolve around me. I think that in many ways this was the sermon that I needed to hear.
The good news is that God continues to pour out grace upon me even when I'm so clueless and self-centered.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!