This week we are having Vacation Bible School. My normal “seat” is on the second pew where Steve sits with me before getting up to preach. I have sat on that second pew for 40 years! But, this week, the children are all sitting up front to sing before going to class, and so I moved. The first night, of course, I got someone else’s seat. Since I sit on the front – I really don’t know who normally sits where. Any way, for the past two nights, I’ve done something that I’ve NEVER done before – I backslided all the way to the BACK PEW. I’m sitting among friends, and that’s wonderful, but there is a whole different perspective from the second pew to the back row.
I’m amazed at how many people sit with their heads down on their phones. How sad is that? Now, I usually have my phone out because I have the Bible downloaded on it and I follow along with the scriptures. But, heads continually down with arms not moving is a pretty sure sign that someone is either scrolling social media or playing a game. Are they listening to the lesson, I’m sure they are, but they are definitely not giving their full attention to God’s Word or being a good example for those around them. Do they not know that the Lord sees them?
I’m surprised at how many people get up to go to the restroom or get a drink of water. Everyone seems so restless. Our attention spans are very short now. You can even see a difference in the children. Ten years ago, they would sit excitedly, but they stayed in their seats, or at least in their place, with the biggest issue being trying not to hit your neighbor while singing “I’m in the Lord’s Army!” (You know – “Fly like the enemy. . .”) Now, you have a hard time quieting them down for the prayer. They wander during those “activity songs.”
You know, it really doesn’t matter where you sit during worship – participation is up to the individual. The singing was good. I could see the presentation on the screen and hear the speaker. I could follow the one leading in prayer. But, come Sunday morning, I’m looking forward to being back on the second pew. There are too many distractions for me in the back. Simply Blessed, Courtney