I’ve heard police sirens ringing throughout my neighborhood most of the night and into the morning. I’m not sure what’s going on, but I’m concerned.

Sirens and flashing lights are intended:
– To get our attention
– To shift our focus
– To warn of fast-moving emergency vehicles
– To notify that there is danger ahead
– That there are delays ahead
– That there are unusual circumstances ahead
– To alert us to a change
– To create an others-awareness

Sirens and flashing lights go off in my head sometimes.

Sirens and Lights

Sunday as my wife and I walked into church, out of nowhere Amy asked, “What are you giving up for Lent?”

Siren #1 – I didn’t know it was the Lenten season
Siren #2 – I had not even considered that Lent was coming
Siren #3 – Lent often includes self-sacrifice and I had nothing I thought to give up

In my best, most articulate post-adolescent tone I replied, “I-dunno.”

The sirens and lights faded into the distance.

Sirens and Lights Resumed

The sirens and lights were quiet and dulled until the worship leader led us in singing “Great Are You Lord” by All Sons and Daughters

You give life, You are love
You bring light to the darkness
You give hope, You restore
Every heart that is broken
Great are You, Lord

Siren #4 – As I sang, I heard myself sing,
“You give life,
You are love
You bring light to MY darkness…”

God who gives me life
God who gives me love
God who gives me light
Was calling me

More Sirens and Lights

As I listened to the sermon I heard God’s invitation; the sirens and lights were subtle but evident:
– To get MY attention
– To shift MY focus
– To alert ME to a change
– To create an others-awareness
I easily fall into a familiar, “faithful” malaise.

God wanted more.

As I listened I tweeted myself a reminder:
Invitation: Return 2 the Lord ur God, 4 he is gracious & compassionate, slow 2 anger & abounding in love #broken&desperate @thedoor #Lent

Sirens and lights were going off reminding me that God wanted more of me.

Are sirens and lights going off in you?
Is God trying to get your attention in a new way?
What is God calling you to?