Have you ever had "one of those Sundays?" Where you feel like God is saying, "Are you listening, (enter name here)? This is for you!!!!" Everything about church yesterday was great. The funny thing is, I almost didn't go. James was out of town, and I knew beforehand that we would be taking communion at the front of the auditorium. This is not something I usually enjoy doing. Especially by myself. A little out of my comfort zone. But, I sucked it up and went anyway. I took Kaitlyn to "her church," and listened to God. The songs we sang were great. I really tried to focus my attention on the words, which I don't do near as often as I should. Mike's sermon was on being "A Place of Non-Condemnation." Not judging others. Forgiveness.
It was just really convicting.
The Lord's Supper was wonderful. They didn't dismiss us by rows, but instead just said that the table was open - come share. I thought people would be more hesitant, but everyone just hopped out of their seats, eager to commune together. I really enjoyed watching everyone do this. It was neat to see families with young kids go down together, or an elderly couple hold hands as they walked down. I don't know the older couple who served me the bread and the cup. But the wisdom behind their eyes and the sincerity in their smiles was special. It was an awesome communion experience.
I love our class. I don't know why I was all sappy and emotional yesterday, but it seemed as though everything set me off. A couple that I had not yet met announced they are pregnant with their first baby. The wife started crying while her husband was announcing it.
I looked across the room and saw a friend who I know had a really hard week, and shocker - got teary eyed.
The leader of our class got really emotional talking about his daughter who has made tremendous strides in her life lately. Got me again.
How do people survive that don't have the love of Christ and the support of a church family? How can people not believe in God?
Our teacher in class taught about confession and prayer. Confession is another thing I am uncomfortable with, but need to do more. One question that was asked that I am still thinking about is, who do you confess to? How wide do you go? Confess only to God? To your best friend or spouse? To the person you sinned against? To your class as church? All of the above? Just something to ponder....
I am so thankful for my parents. I am thankful for the faith that they instilled in me. I am thankful that they started this path for me to follow. I hope that I can do as good of a job with Kaitlyn.
Sorry this post was so deep - again, not usually like me.
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8 comments:
Great post Leslie- I completely feel you......I feel like I now cry every Sunday at church for one reason or another. I'm so thankfuly for your tender heart- your parents did do a GREAT job raising their girl, and I know you will do the same with Kaitlyn.
Thanks for the post. I too have been a little teary lately...I suppose we all have those days. Kaitlyn is going to turn out wonderfully because of the heart that you just expressed that you have for the Lord. You are a very precious friend:)
I want to go to Highland sometime when we come to Abilene -- I hear such great things coming from the people in the congregation!
Faith is amazing to me and I am so glad my parents put down "roots" in my heart at an early age. We are blessed to have been exposed to The Word at an early age.
don't ever apologize for such a great post-from my email-you know i have been emotional too! sometimes God just speaks to you right where you are and opens your heart. or maybe we just have a moment when we are able to open our ears to hear Him talking. love and truly miss you!
That was a great post, Leslie. I have felt that way so many times lately, as I feel the continous blessing of having a church family and so many friendships based on the Lord's love. There is something "tear-jerking" about that for sure.
And, I am so jealous (is that okay to say??) that you are experiencing Highland on a weekly basis. What a wonderful place to be. I have always loved that church, and I know you will be continually blessed by being there. :)
Great thoughts Leslie. I know what you mean about those days. I think we should definitely confess more- to the one you KNOW you should. If that is your spouse, so be it; if it is to a bigger group, so be it. (this is the really hard one.) Be encouraged that you are blessing Kaitlyn with the tools to develop her own faith.
Loved your post, Leslie. You are very blessed to be a part of such a great church family. We still haven't found a church home yet. It is something that I really miss. The love and support of your friends is such a huge blessing. I know what you mean about crying. I feel like the older I get, the more crying I do.
A strong faith is such a wonderful gift- I too am so thankful to my parents for instilling it in me. Examples are the strongest influence, and I know that you are a great example to your sweet Kaitlyn :) Thanks for the sweet post :)
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