An Excused Absence

When my children were in school it was necessary whenever they were out to send a written note with them explaining why they weren't in school.  This went on their record as an 'excused absence'.  If I failed to send a note it was unexcused and they couldn't make up the work they'd missed.  So no grades for those days when they'd missed school, which hurt if they were not doing particularly well in that class.

This past week I began reading a Grace Livingston Hill book, Katharine's Yesterday.  The second story in that book is titled, "An Excuse for Christ" and deals with a new young pastor who has lost heart for his Wednesday night prayer meetings due to the low attendance.  Only three or four faithful old parishioner's show up.  Listening to his sister-in-law tell his wife how their Christian Endeavor group required 'excused absences' to remain a member, the pastor has the idea of trying something similar. 

The following Sunday he announces that anyone who doesn't attend the Wednesday night prayer meeting needs a written excuse stating why they couldn't come.  The church was very nearly full come the following Wednesday night because no one could think of a good excuse for not being there!

I was reminded of all this last Saturday when our Rabbi stated that our youngest member had called to state that he'd be unable to come due to a bad head cold...We appreciate this young man very much but he had no particular duty to perform last weekend other than to fill his spot of the pew.  I think it's admirable that he feels he must give a reason for his not being there and he always does.  I can't say that it's a habit of mine!  I'm far more inclined to just assume my reason for missing out on service is my own.

What if we made a habit of giving an excuse each time we needed to be out during our Sabbath day services?  What if we were graded only for those days when we had an excused absence?  What if we received a 'Zero' for every day we missed that wasn't excused?  What excuse do you think Christ would see as a valid reason for not being there?

Oh these are the questions I've struggled with over and over this week as I've thought of this young man's example.  I am sure there are valid excuses.  Gracious, we don't want to spread germs if we are ill.  And certainly there are days when we might be called away by family duties of importance, or work  (not everyone is able to skip the Sabbath day as a work day).  I believe there are even times when we just need to be alone with God at home and dwell with him without the distraction of family or order of service.  I think most pastors could understand that, but it certainly imparts a need to keep our word and actively seek out God doesn't it? 

But what about those lame excuses we give ourselves (and don't dare mention to anyone else!) of wanting to sleep in, wanting to 'have fun for a change', etc.? 

What if we stopped and asked God if our absence might be excused first?  Wouldn't that be a radical thing to do?  To ask God where He might want us to be?

I think this young man has given me a great deal to think about in the future when I think I don't need to be present in my congregation's service.
What about you?  Will your absence be excused?