Much Needed Priority Check

As I went to the youth group worship service tonight, all of the self-consciousness from HS came flooding back. Immediately, I noticed the groups/cliques gathering as they usually do. I almost felt like a fish watching the world outside of my fishbowl. I watched as the teens buzzed around to visit with each other wearing their name-brand clothes and carrying their designer purses. As the worship music started, we all started singing. Then there it was, I begin to hear a timid middle-schooler singing his heart out behind me. Yes--he was off key--his voice was obviously cracking, but it was the sweetest sound that i have heard in a while! This young guy was such an inspiration to me! He did not even have a clue that i was soaking up every single word that he sang as he praised our amazing God! As he sat in the back of the room....completely alone...his complete focus was where it was supposed to be! I just closed my eyes as tears slowly welled up as I thought about how so many other things/stresses/worries were flooding my mind. I just prayed that I could have the heart of that timid middle-schooler with no care in the world but giving his full focus, love, and attention to our precious God.