Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Sunday Morning
I am one of those people who enjoys Sunday mornings in church. My Sunday School teacher is blessed with the gift of teaching and constantly challenges my thinking and attitudes. Most days I love my church family dearly - some days I just love them, but most days dearly. My pastor is skilled at planning the service and presenting the Word of God in a way that leads me, for at least one hour each week, in to worship.
Our church is eight years old. We have undergone many changes in this time, but one aspect of our worship that remains the same is our greeting. Someone, usually my husband, begins the service by welcoming us all there and then we spend a few moments greeting one another. We all enjoy this time. It is not unusual for choir members to run to the choir loft after the music has stopped playing (our sign that the greeting time is over).
Sunday morning I position myself skillfully between my two sons. They are 12 and 14, you would think this would not be a necessity, but it is. The music begins and I excuse myself around my 14 year old. Within half a step, I am all but tackled from behind by my 14 year old as a melee has obviously began to occur in my pew. Thankfully I have not fallen in to the aisle on some poor passerby.
I turn to grab the offender and begin a not so holy tirade at both boys in as hushed tones as possible between my clenched teeth. Sensing my fury, they do not meander long in the world of "it was him, not me." I turn to greet an understanding friend in the aisle and then position myself, again, squarely between the two boys. A couple of other friends wander by to bestow their condolences. These friends know if I am standing guard during the greeting there are obvious reasons.....they are positioned on my right and on my left.
Please also note that we sit close to the front of the church. This was not a missed production!
Where did I begin? Oh yes, with worship......
This "pew incident" is not too commonplace anymore, but is also not a rarity. I have learned to take a couple of breaths and refocus. That is what worshipping with children next to you is like.
The last song of our singing time was a familiar and always (in my life) an attitude adjusting chorus. We only sang it once, but it continues to run through my head even now.....
I love you with the love of the Lord.
Yes, I love you with the love of the Lord.
I can see in you the glory of my King,
And I love you with the love of the Lord.
Isn't that just like the Holy Spirit? When I am at my wit's end with my boys, I am given a song or led to a passage that speaks to my heart.
Boy, do I need this song this week!
simple faith
I am one of those people who enjoys Sunday mornings in church. My Sunday School teacher is blessed with the gift of teaching and constantly challenges my thinking and attitudes. Most days I love my church family dearly - some days I just love them, but most days dearly. My pastor is skilled at planning the service and presenting the Word of God in a way that leads me, for at least one hour each week, in to worship.
Our church is eight years old. We have undergone many changes in this time, but one aspect of our worship that remains the same is our greeting. Someone, usually my husband, begins the service by welcoming us all there and then we spend a few moments greeting one another. We all enjoy this time. It is not unusual for choir members to run to the choir loft after the music has stopped playing (our sign that the greeting time is over).
Sunday morning I position myself skillfully between my two sons. They are 12 and 14, you would think this would not be a necessity, but it is. The music begins and I excuse myself around my 14 year old. Within half a step, I am all but tackled from behind by my 14 year old as a melee has obviously began to occur in my pew. Thankfully I have not fallen in to the aisle on some poor passerby.
I turn to grab the offender and begin a not so holy tirade at both boys in as hushed tones as possible between my clenched teeth. Sensing my fury, they do not meander long in the world of "it was him, not me." I turn to greet an understanding friend in the aisle and then position myself, again, squarely between the two boys. A couple of other friends wander by to bestow their condolences. These friends know if I am standing guard during the greeting there are obvious reasons.....they are positioned on my right and on my left.
Please also note that we sit close to the front of the church. This was not a missed production!
Where did I begin? Oh yes, with worship......
This "pew incident" is not too commonplace anymore, but is also not a rarity. I have learned to take a couple of breaths and refocus. That is what worshipping with children next to you is like.
The last song of our singing time was a familiar and always (in my life) an attitude adjusting chorus. We only sang it once, but it continues to run through my head even now.....
I love you with the love of the Lord.
Yes, I love you with the love of the Lord.
I can see in you the glory of my King,
And I love you with the love of the Lord.
Isn't that just like the Holy Spirit? When I am at my wit's end with my boys, I am given a song or led to a passage that speaks to my heart.
Boy, do I need this song this week!
simple faith
Labels: Boys, Spiritual Journey
# posted by simple faith : 11:33 AM
