Look Forward to Getting Your Food
Yesterday while waiting on my father-in-law's EKG results, he said he'd like to go to our favorite grocery store while we were in town. Well, that quickly made a discouraging trip better!
A while back, on the other side of the same town for a different doctor visit, I drug him to that grocery store selfishly...because I needed a pick me up. Well, he was introduced to the wonder, freshness, welcoming, fully staffed, store and he too fell in love.
There is much to be said about how a place makes you feel. Lately I've had many different establishments to compare and reflect upon. Sometimes I have to peruse the shelves of my least favorite shopping establishment due to the choice of pharmacy my FIL uses; and while it has it's advantages, I despise going there. It's too big, people are not approachable, they seem to run from you if you look like you need help and although the quantity of goods are plentiful, the produce has no flavor. Thus, when he mentioned he'd like to run over and get some of the fresh, sweet, delectable, locally grown strawberries at our favorite store, I gladly obliged!
It's so easy to compare this situation to another-Church. Why make going to church a routine necessity? It can be something to look forward to! I have friends and family members who have had mixed experiences with going to church and while one is not a perfect match for all, everyone should feel happy to go.
Some folks swear by a super shopping center. They love walking up and down the isles and crisscrossing the immense square footage while others prefer a more quiet, quaint, convenient, store. I see the pros and cons of both and for me, the small town shopping experience is mucho bettero. The same goes for my church home. I know production, the latest text and vast spaces are a draw to some and that's great, but I love the feeling I get when I walk into my little country church. I can't hide in the back, the Word is taught in truth and love; and I feel like I'm at home. Honest care and concern wash over me when I'm there; so much so that it actually comes out of me too! That's amazing, trust me.
A body needs physical food. Get it wherever you feel happy and good about the freshness and quality. The same can be said for spiritual food. In both instances, where you go has so much to do with your outlook on going, as well as how you share your experience with others. Would you recommend your grocery store to a new person in town or a good friend? What about your church?
Acts 2 can shed light on my attempt to rationalize. The disciples along with Mary and over one hundred others were gathered together processing all the events that had just happened; reflecting on times of David, the Psalms that he had written, the works of John and even Judas. As they engaged in fellowship together, the Holy Spirit was upon them and they began sharing the gospel. It didn't matter that there were people from all over, different nations were hearing the same message and understanding! (vs. 11: Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.) They were amazed and perplexed as they sought the meaning of it all. Peter was quick to confirm that they were not all crazy or drunk, but they were full of the Spirit and prophesy. (vs 14-18)
Peter then encouraged all to repent and be baptized, to save themselves from this "untoward generation"! (Sound familiar?) Around three thousand were gathered then as they continued teaching and learning and praying. Each person grew happy together and as they moved on, their
countenance caused more to inquire, learn and join them. (vs 44-46). Resulting in a growing church. Verse 47: "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."
Wow. Over 2000 years ago and still relevant today. This is what we're called to do. Called to BE. Witnesses to others, growing the church. (which isn't a building y'all, It's a unity)
The red-shirted employees at my favorite grocery are testament to their belief in the goodness of their store, their leaders and their products. They help make me excited to go there. On the flip side, the paycheck grabbers at the other place seem sullen and unhappy as they check their watches for break time. They aren't helpful nor do they seem happy to be there; thus making me feel like attending is a chore.
The people gathered during the Pentecost wanted to learn what had happened and how it applied to them. Energized and on fire with the Holy Spirit, they left everything and went onward to share what they knew with everyone. People heard about their coming and ran out to meet them-welcoming them. That's how I feel when I go to church. I go, looking forward to what I'll learn and I leave on fire, filled with the Holy Spirit and excited to share this feeling and knowledge with everyone! ...praying that it falls on the right ones; the ones who need it, are receptive to it and will also be filled up and ready to pour onto others.
Yeehaw! I can hardly wait for the next trip to church! I'm excited to see happy faces and welcoming hands; ready to be satisfied and filled with the sweetness of Christ's love and teaching fresh from the WORD! And even though my fridge is full of fresh, sweet, fruit from the heart of Texas, I'm already looking forward to my next trip to the ..., ahem, my favorite grocery store.
Go in peace! Enjoy the weekend and all His blessings that He generously pours onto us all daily...accept His forgiveness, His mercy and His grace. Days are not always wonderful, there are hard and heavy times, but they will end. Let Him carry you when you can't go any further. These days are numbered and they will end. Have something to look forward to, a home where there is noting wrong. Revelation 21:4.
