After an especially long, frustrating work week, I discovered that I was going to be alone for worship leading. Well, not completely alone. I had a percussionist and a couple vocalists. But no other guitarists. No keyboards. No bass. Just little ol’ me. Gulp.

I have shared before about my insecurities on guitar. Years ago, the thought of playing in front of people terrified me. I was fine strumming alone on my bedroom floor. But as soon as people were around, my clumsy hands could not function. The chords that I had down moments before all of a sudden were just not happening. I intentionally made myself play with a band to increase my confidence and ability. As long as other guitarists were playing with me to cover up my mistakes, I was okay. But don’t ask me to sing and play. I couldn’t keep the rhythm up while singing a melody line.

After a couple years of doing sing-a-longs, I’ve learned to sing and play. My confidence increased, and the chords came easier and sounded better. Now I’m still learning to stop covering up for mediocre guitar playing.

When I discovered I was going to be alone, I started frantically practicing the set list. Within  a couple minutes, I noticed the pick was feeling a little flimsy in my fingers. I looked down to discover this.

A broken pick? What??? I felt like I did when I pulled a pick out of my pant’s pocket while doing laundry.  It makes me feel like a REAL guitar player! I’m really rocking now!

So, I practiced and played by myself. And did well. There are still lots of things to work on and improvements to be made. I still need lots of practice. But I will take these little victories as they come.

During rehearsal right before worship, another flimsy pick cracked. I really must be rocking! Or the picks are all old and it’s time to buy new ones.

I’m going with the rocking theory.