Make Yourself Little

The act of genuflecting has always given me a moment's thought, primarily because it offers me a physical reminder to reevaluate my heart at that moment and ask myself truly to whom this action is directed.  More often than not, I find myself surprised that, though I'm looking at the tabernacle, my thoughts are usually along the lines of "Is anyone looking at me?"  It's a feeling of self-consciousness and I realize again and again that I need to redirect my thoughts to the One whom I am worshiping.

I attended several Steubenville Youth Conferences during my high school years; a particular speaker stands out in my mind for a talk he gave over one weekend.  He introduced us to his children via pictures on the overhead, then proceeded to share with us some of the little things he has taught them in regards to reverence in Church.  His lesson around genuflecting echoes in my mind: "Make yourself little before Jesus."  Make yourself little.

Genuflecting is a humbling action.  It's an exterior sign of your acknowledgment of His greatness and your littleness.  And yet, it is the best place in the world to be.  When the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect place to pray.  A song lyric by Kitty Cleveland says, "Then came the peace touched so deeply by your mercy.  I lost my pride and found You're all I need.  You rescued me, felt Your love in my surrender.  I reached my greatest height down on my knees."

So now when I go to genuflect, I try not to think about who's watching, or who is even in the room.  What is more important to me in that intimate moment between me and My Lord is the relationship that exists between me and Him.  I get down on my knee, bow my head, and whisper softly, "Good morning, sweet Jesus!"