The second part of the psalm mentions “a doorkeeper in the house of my God.” I think of doorkeepers as a cross between ushers and custodians.
While I was in seminary, I worked as a custodian in a church. I lived in an old Tudor mansion that had been converted into the parish house. When you are a janitor, you basically hear complaints. The floors aren’t waxed to a shine. A dust bunny hides in a corner. The furnace cuts off early on Sunday morning before people arrive. A restroom runs out of paper towels. Custodians can be forgiven if they develop a grouchy, defensive demeanor because it is a thankless job.
In today’s reading, the pilgrims would rather serve in this thankless job and be in God’s house than to live in the comfort that would be theirs within the tents of the wicked. The pilgrims, who have longed for the courts of the Lord, would rather be there for only one day than to live a thousand elsewhere.
Today’s passage prompts us to ask ourselves: What are we willing to do to seek the joy of the Lord? In what ways are we willing to serve to be continually in God’s presence?
Ever since my behind-the-scenes experience as a janitor, I have made a conscious effort to compliment custodial staff on their good work. When I meet with staff or leaders, I make it a point to tell them how welcome I feel when I cross the threshold of their facilities. I note that theirs is no small service. The Lord withholds no good thing from those who serve.