I love Tuesday mornings. Our church has a bible college called Wave Leadership College. Every Tuesday at 8:00am, the students that attend have a chapel service. Until recently, I didn't even know they had this service, or that it was open to the public. I found out about it when a good friend of mine, who attends WLC, invited me on a Tuesday morning to come hear her speak. I was so excited to cheer her on! I said, "Of course! I wouldn't miss it!"
When I arrived for the first time, I was really impressed. For the most part, the students run the entire service as they would if it was on a Sunday morning. They are professional, and they have fun too. There is a greeter at the door to welcome you into the sanctuary, there is a host to help you find a seat, and the stage is set for worship. But the thing that drew me in the most was how intimate they created the setting to be.
They take a 2,500 seat sanctuary and transform it into a setting for about 40 people or less. They use darkening of the house lights, low stage lighting, and high black curtains hung on pipes on the sides and in the back, to enclose the area around the chairs. It's beautiful and intimate. The worship is softer, yet powerful. And I love that the students gather right up to the stage during worship, hands raised to Heaven. I love attending this chapel service so much. I love hearing the students lead worship and speak from their hearts regarding giving to the offering, and then stand up in front of their peers to preach a sermon. I think they are very brave and eloquent.
I don't know if the students realize what a gift they give every week in this service. The presence of the Holy Spirit is there every time. Their positive and fun-loving attitudes are contagious. They are learning how to run a church service, and do it with excellence. It's an honor for me to come as a guest and feel welcome. I have to admit, I felt kind of awkward the first time I went. Other than the Director of the College, I think I was the oldest person there. But you know what, it didn't matter. These students are special. And I am blessed by every one of them.
I actually enrolled in a part-time night course at WLC a few years ago. I loved it! I planned on continuing with night courses until both my children were in school so I could switch over to full time. But life threw a major curve ball at me in my health and I haven't been able to enroll again since. I remember feeling a little awkward at that time too, being one of the oldest in the class. But, as the last few years have gone by, those awkward feelings are beginning to go away. Age is just a number. And you're never too old to go after your dreams.
I would love to attend this college. I would be proud to. I'm currently praying about how I can make that happen with all that I have going on right now. I don't know what my future holds, but I know Who holds my future. I know I want a degree in ministry. I know I want to preach someday. After all, I am my father's daughter, and a proud PK (pastor's kid). :) God knows the desires of my heart. I know that if I'm supposed to be a part of this special college, I will be.
In the meantime, I'm going to continue to attend chapel, encourage the awesome students, and pray for them as well as the Directors and staff. I'm telling you, God's doing something special at WLC. I can't wait to see if His plan for this school includes me someday.
(As a side note: Outside of this service, you will find the students volunteering in every single area of church life. You will find them with a smile on their face no matter how exhausted they are. This college is teaching people how to serve well, and it's evident in all they do.)
Psalm 84:4 ~ Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are those who dwell in Your house and Your presence; they will be singing Your praises all the day long.
Until tomorrow then...
Love,
Tracie
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