ACT I:  SCENE ONE

(GREETER stands near a doorway. A downcast family of four approaches led by MOTHER, who is adjusting the collar of her son’s shirt. FATHER follows, holding a toddler.)

GREETER

(smiling at the family) Well, good morning! How are you folks today?

MOTHER

(obviously exasperated, but quickly turns her scowl into a smile and makes eye contact with GREETER, responding with a falsely chipper tone of voice) Oh, fine, fine. And you?

GREETER

(shaking FATHER’s hand) Glad to hear it. I’m doing well, thanks.

(FATHER offers a half-smile and walks across the stage with toddler. MOTHER stops to smooth her son’s hair and wipes an imaginary smudge from his cheek with her thumb. He starts to shrug away, but she takes his hand and leads him reluctantly off-stage.)

—

Is the story above just the beginning of a stage play, or could it describe many of our own families this morning? We wake up late. The kids are whining for donuts. Someone can’t find socks. The kids are fighting in the backseat. We’re in a rush. Our favorite parking spot in the shade is taken. The kids are still fighting.

Then, we walk through the doors of the church, plaster on happy faces and act like nothing is the matter. We’re here to worship God, after all – no frowns allowed! Let’s be real. God sees right through our fake smiles. Worship shouldn’t be a performance. In fact, the prophet Isaiah once received a warning from God in a vision, and God told his people: “Quit your worship charades. I can’t stand your trivial religious games …” (from Isaiah 1, The Message)

This week’s focus is on making excuses, so let’s quit acting and drop the charade. Instead, let’s make our lives an act of worship.