Well, this spring and summer have kept me particularly busy on the weekends...so much that I have been neglecting being in my church on Sundays, Wednesdays, or any other time of the week. I've been in other churches or traveling on Sundays, and I have found myself feeling like a stranger when I enter the parking lot of my church.
In fact, about three weeks ago when I happened to be at my church, one of the women I know looked at me and said, "Hey, you used to work with the cheerleaders, right? You've stopped attending church here. Where are you now?"
I was speechless for a moment, but then explained that I was still a member, but I lived a few towns over with work and travel taking some of my time that had normally been given with the church. It was enough to appease her, but it did not sit well with me. While I love that I attend a large church where I don't get called out or feel like I have to volunteer for every little event, I want to feel like I have a church family that knows what is going on with me--and me them.
My church is about 30 minutes away and gas prices have certainly put a damper on my joy rides across Hampton Roads to worship God. When Vacation Bible School time came, I was just not willing to put in the drive--not after working a 10 hour day and did I mention gas prices? Sadly, my time off from my church has left me praying and reflecting on what I am going to do: to travel and pay gas or not to? That is the question.
When I was in college, I attended a church in town that I enjoyed. The pastor was great, and they had wonderful members. Being a college kiddo, it was great having their support; they watched out for me. The pastor still keeps up with me, and I know I can call on him when I need to talk to someone about things going on in my life. I slowly stopped attending because I felt like I was not getting enough with the message. Soon I began searching for another place to attend and joined the church where I am a member now when my godsister, who was a member, invited me. The church met my needs on a variety of levels. I was going through a major storm in my life that I wanted to be able to deal with without being around those that knew me and could see me at moment of weakness. The church helped largely in my healing process, and I still love it. I just wish I could be there more frequently to serve regularly in a ministry and feel like I was in true fellowship with other believers.
Since being a resident in my current location for 10 years, I have been able to visit and get out to more churches. There is one church where many of my closest friends attend, and I've found myself there more often. The members are so kind and they've had me to participate in their services for a variety of things. I know the students because most of them have attended schools where I've worked or volunteered. They are like family and I've taken to them...I am just not convinced that I want to jump and switch up membership.
This week I even found myself attending their Vacation Bible School. I was not a stranger or just some outsider. I was able to go in to a class and really enjoy the lessons being taught. It was like being home. I know they're praying for my family and for me to come join them *smile*...We'll see...I just know that with gas prices and the cost of living going up something will have to give. My time and energy at work prevent from being able to jump in the car and just travel down the highway; I have to be able to get my spiritual growth.
Perhaps I need to heed my pastor's words that when we move to a new location we find a place to shop, get groceries, work, etc. So, just as we find those things, it is imperative that we also locate a church. I'll keep praying and will see what will happen.
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