Like a Thorn in my _________ !

This is the third year that I have been a soloist for The Thorn, New Life's 700-member Easter production.  The show doesn't change much from year to year, which speaks to the excellence of the script and screenplay (Thanks Rob and John).  But having performed these same songs for several years, and having heard them since I was in grade school, it's easy to let this passion play become a routine, or worse - a show.

On one level or another, it begins this way like clockwork every year.  Word comes around that rehearsals are starting, that the martial arts team has already been at work for months in the gym perfecting angel sized muscles, and that the set is making it's way from ideas on paper to massive constructions of wood and steel.

My first year, it was easy to be swept up in the hype of the production, being involved on any level felt like an amazing privilege, and I was just blessed to play any part at all.  The second year, it became easy to be a little complacent and feel almost... entitled.  Believe it or not come year three, it can even feel like an obligation.

Honest, yes - but my intent is to expose the gunk that nearly crept in.

This is a time in my life when establishing boundaries and time management habits is crucial.  With a baby on the way, and our young marriage still on the front burner of my mind, drawing clear lines between what I do and who I am has never been more important or difficult.  The irony is that I was drawn to ministry not only for the significance it would add to my life, but because I wanted to raise a family in it.  But I'll keep that discussion for another time - it deserves it.

I'm realizing the Thorn is a type of marker for me.  Each year as I participate, and a huge burden is placed on my time and energy for a brief season, it's all too easy to become cynical and jaded.  In fact, that is the natural result!  But that's the greatest danger of all.  I've learned that my innocence of heart is worth protecting at all costs.  And it's not just the Thorn; all ministry threatens to blur the lines of work and family, counseling and recreation.  As this two week season of non-stop nightly rehearsals in both Colorado Springs and Denver beats down - if I'm not vigilant - the joy of the performance can vanish, and the joy of ministry become tarnished.

I'm a part of a quartet that sings "The Glory of the Blood" during the moments immediately after the crucifixion.  Watching the drama of Jesus reach it's zenith, I'm blessed each time to relive the wonder of the greatest miracle ever.  The sinless death that made a way, the doubt the disciples must have felt in the darkest days afterward, and the hope that held them together (Matthew 20:19) in the midst of apparent total defeat become real again.  And it's that moment that continues to refresh my soul - that helps me remember the reason for everything I'm doing - and gives glorious context to the fatigue I happen to be feeling at the moment.

(C) Ted Mehl, Thorn 2010

Thank God for his blood, shed for me - and his resurrection that made a way for life abundant.  These are the days I realize anew the truth that I'm bound to this man Jesus and what he did for me - and spreading that truth with all I am and do.