sing

Joe's wife likes to sing so she decided to join the church choir. From time to time she would practice while she was in the kitchen preparing dinner. 

Whenever she would start in on a song, Joe would head outside to the porch. His wife, with hurt feelings, said, "What's the matter, Joe? Don't you like my singing?" 

Joe replied, "Honey, I love your singing, but I just want to make sure the neighbors know I'm not beating you."

Let's be honest -- not everyone has the voice of an angel (you'll certainly know that if you've been watching WB's recent show, "Superstar USA"). And I wish I had a nickel for every time that someone has told me that they don't like to sing out at church because they can't sing well.  

There's only one measure that God uses to determine who sings well, though, and it's not pitch, tone, or rhythm. It's what's in the heart. The truth is, many of those with perfect pitch are not singing "well" and many of those who "can't carry a tune in a bucket" have an audience in heaven hanging on their every note.

"...Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Eph. 5:18-20)

Offer God the very best that you have to offer, but remember that it is what is in the heart that matters the most.