I Miss Church and So Much More

I tried for a very long time to continue going to church even when it got down to just occasionally but even that isn’t possible anymore due to my health. I guess I’ve adjusted as much as is possible to not being able to attend but I miss it more than I can explain. At one time I was there every time the doors were open and many times when they weren’t but I had a key to let myself in. I will always miss it. I am so grateful for the countless hours I was able to attend.    

There are numerous things I miss about attending church in person. So many I can’t possibly list them all.   Here’s just a few that pop into my head: the live preaching, the  fellowship, praying with others, the music, meeting missionary families, watching someone walk to the alter to accept the Lord as their Saviour, teaching Sunday School, working with the kids in vacation bible school and being around like minded people. 

Probably sounds unimportant to most but I also really miss the bible studies. I still study alone at home like I have in the past but now I don’t have the group studies I used to be able to participate in. I miss the interaction. I miss seeing things through another person’s eyes that causes me to think a bit differently.  I miss having another perspective for me to ponder over.  Even if we don’t agree with each other’s perspective it’s great to study it through and pray about it together.   I like being challenged.   There’s nothing like having in depth conversations about biblical things with someone that doesn’t argue or insist they’re right no matter what. Someone with grace, humility and maturity that enjoys the exchange of thoughts and ideas.  They enjoy the give and take and the passion of study.  Of course the bible is the final authority. God’s word is always right it’s just we humans miss things.  Sometimes, many times, a person reads a passage, one they’ve read 100 times before but every time they missed that one something. It can be just a simple word that when really seen brings the whole verse into a clearer understanding.  When studying with someone else maybe the other person has seen what you missed and shares their understanding with you but knows you have to see it for yourself. They step back and allow the Lord to lead you to the truth instead of attempting to force you to see it their way.  Or maybe as you study together what you each missed becomes clear to the both of you. You wonder how in the world it was misunderstood before when there it is, clear as day to each one of you.   WOW!  I love that-I really miss that.

Unlike those that lived long ago I can watch services that are streamed live or posted for later viewing. Even though I can’t attend I am extremely grateful for the options the Lord provides.
And even though I sincerely miss that I can no longer attend

I am abundantly blessed