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"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked" (Psalm 84:10).

Yesterday I (Stephen) served as a "door opener" at an entrance to our church. My assignment was to greet people as they entered as well as open and close the outer door to keep the cold air out of the foyer. I enjoy this type of service being a slightly outgoing person and most would say I have a loud voice. I greeted people as they entered with, "Welcome to the house of the Lord, we are so pleased to see you".

It's interesting to watch the variety of people coming to church. Older folks slowly approaching with the help of their walkers, young families with children, people with a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds. My favorite was the young couples walking in holding hands with the man carrying a Bible. I would greet them by reminding them to build their relationship on God's foundation. It wasn't that many Methuselah years ago that we were that young couple.

During my time of service yesterday greeters from our years in pastoral ministry came to mind. I think of Wilfred, a simple man, who faithfully greeted folks and handed them a bulletin at the entrance door for many years at the church we served in northern PA. It meant so much to him and to this day I am sure people who attended that church remember him.

Then I remember Fred, who probably still greets at the door of the country church we attended for many years here in Lancaster County. He's my age and has had the same job at the same company since high school. I called him Steady Freddy!

Greeters have an important role. Brooksyne remembers an article she read when we were very young in ministry which she has never forgotten.

Prior to my service yesterday I had considered our daily text and wondered to what extent I was like a doorkeeper. "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked" (Psalm 84:10).

It's an interesting text from a brief Psalm written not by David, but the sons of Korah, who wrote eleven of the Psalms. They were essentially the worship leaders at the time of King David.

The Doorkeeper was responsible for opening the gate of the Temple so people could come into the presence of the Lord. We, too, have the awesome call to usher people into the presence of God. A greeter can help to set the tone of one's first impression of a church body.

The verse contrasts the setting of those being outside at the entrance of God's house to those being inside the dwelling of the wicked. Also perhaps the doorkeeper was considered a lowly position and that we are to prefer to be small in the house of God than to be prominent or feel "at home" in the ways of the wicked.

Another sense should be that our love for God should be so strong that no matter the circumstances or where we serve we should just want to be with God, and be a part of whatever God is doing.

So, today, if you are a doorkeeper (greeter) realize the value in your service for Christ.

Be encouraged today! Hebrews 3:13

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

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