You’re late. Don’t be late

My Early Days in Church Life

It was my first months in church life. Everything felt brand new to me—worship times, the hymns both in their musical richness and lyrical depth, the warmth of the people, and most importantly, the presence of God. His presence both wrapped my heart and deeply shook me when we gathered as a church. I was surprised, thrilled, and even a little scared by it all.

On one hand, I couldn’t wait for Sunday to arrive. Fridays and Saturdays felt like they passed so slowly, as if they were intentionally holding me back. That mysterious church and the misty heaven-like experience I lived in it seemed to be calling me.

Weeks went by, and one Sunday, when I pushed open that wooden door again, beautiful hymns were being sung. The light filtering through the stained glass windows didn’t just illuminate the room—it warmed our hearts.

By the time I usually entered, the hymns had already started, and walking into that sacred space while everyone was joyfully singing felt like stepping into heaven.

I remember saying quietly in my heart:

“God, is there anything I can do for You in this place where I feel Your presence and love so deeply?”

With all my heart, I can say that this was a weak but genuine voice rising from within me—an honest desire to serve in any simple way I could. It was the voice of a young disciple of Jesus, eager but unsure of what to do…

“What can I do for You?”

Cleaning, carrying things, bending down to serve—anything at all.

For several weeks, it didn’t bother me that I hadn’t received a response to this prayerful whisper.

After all, this was God we were talking about. He could answer when He found it fitting—or not answer at all. I was aware of that…

But that week, when I once again pushed open that beautifully patterned dark wooden door, another beautiful hymn was playing. A few people even turned and smiled at me as if to say “welcome.” I nodded in return.

While singing and thinking of God, I found myself asking again:

“So… are You not going to tell me what I should do? Is there anything else I can do for You?”

Suddenly, a deep, resonant impression stirred in my heart—part thought, part voice:

“You’re late. Don’t be late.”

What?

“When you arrive, everything has already started. Even if I wanted to give you a task, you wouldn’t be there…”

“Don’t be late. Come early so you’ll be ready.”

Could this really be from God?

Come on, would God really say something as simple as “Don’t be late”?

But… He was right.

Normally, I was a very punctual person. I rarely ever missed a boat, bus, or flight.

But I was late to church. Why was that?

Did I have a valid reason?

Sure, I had excuses…

But did I have a truly valid reason? Honestly?

No. I didn’t.

I was surprised at myself. Why was I always late?

So the following week, I went early.

I wanted to say to God, “I’m here. Whether or not You ask anything of me, I’ll be ready.”

I think it was two weeks later that the pastor came up to me. He asked if I could welcome newcomers and help them find a seat.

“I can do that,” I said. “I’d love to.”

And since that day…

Well, that’s how it all began.