It felt like a case of one step forward, one step back.  For my sermon this past Sunday I decided to use a video clip-- for the first time.  I made sure to get the projector set up and my tech guy-- my husband-- helped me run the sound through the church's sound system.  On Sudnay morning I was a little nervous, but not too much; I felt prepared and ready.  As I preached to Jeff on the way to church, "The worst thing about going to a presentation where video and audio are used is when they haven't really learned how to use the equipment and so there are technical difficulties and people have to sit around in silence waiting for the show to go on."  I was determined that the show would go on!

So I get into worship and everything is going great.  I run the clip and because of our preparation it goes off without a hitch.  And then, just when I'm congratulating myself on pulling it off, I get up to give my sermon and... no manuscript.  My worst nightmare.  I'm not a "without notes" preacher, especially when I've got a lot of other things going on in the service.  I just don't trust my ability to remember what I need to say.  It's not one of my gifts-- and truly, the thought terrifies me (I'm not a natural public speaker at all.) 

10 years ago, even five, I would have been embarassed.  But you know what, I just said, "Ok Lord, I wrote this thing once, help me remember enough of what you wanted me to say to get through."  Was I able to remember it word for word?  No, but by the grace of God I muddled through.  I hit the high points, and then went on to the table of the Lord for communion, just as I had planned.  I don't know if anyone could tell the difference (I'm sure they could, even if they didn't know exactly what was going on.)  But I now know that if it ever happens again, I'll get through it-- and God won't strike me down if it's not perfect.

God gives grace to us all, even preachers!