I received my notice several months ago.  Unless I had a very good excuse (eg sickness or old age), I was to report for Jury Duty on March 19, 2012.

At first I became nervous about this.  I have claustrophobia and I don’t like elevators.  I know the building and it has many stories to it.  I also thought it would probably be my “luck” to get on a notorious murder trial that would last for weeks.  I’d have to be locked away for days at a time.

Then I began to change my attitude about the summons.  I started recalling in the past that when I had to do something unpleasant like take an elevator to visit someone in church, I could imagine I was not alone, but that my steady and loving Protector was in the elevator with me.  As I ascended and descended each time, I repeated the prayer “Thy will, not mine, be done.”  I then came to believe “If I did this before, I can do it again.”  I came to see that when I release my worries to God, I am open to new adventures.

Soon, I began looking forward to this and quietly hoped I would get called for a jury so I could see firsthand what a court trial is like. I have seen and enjoyed many shows like Perry Mason through the years.  I was beginning to see the summons as a learning as well as a growth opportunity.

Today, the first day of my summons, I did not have to report.  In an hour I will call again to see if I must report tomorrow.  This is an experience that is actually building my faith.

I have released my control over tomorrow and the rest of the week.  Someone else has the reins and I feel free.

I praise God for what I am learning in this simple summons to set aside my schedule that I may be of service to others.