Who's here, or who should be?

One thing that has taken a long time for me to overcome (if I have overcome it) is the temptation to look around during a service and wonder where so-and-so is. This is an easy trap to fall into. Each week I go through my church rolodex and pray for our attenders. I oftentimes wonder what it would be like to have everyone here on just one Sunday.

Today for instance is our Christmas Program. You would think that everyone would be here to celebrate Christmas at their own church, but that is not the case. Many people have told me that they have this or that already scheduled. Tough stuff!

I have made a pact with God to not think of why people aren't here, but to focus on those who are. One farmer told me a long time ago in Wisconsin that when it is time to feed the cows that he goes ahead and feeds them even if only a few show up. Makes sense, huh?