I cherish many things about the past. My family, my grandparents, the wonderful memories of holidays gone by. But one very special part of my past is belonging to a church body of believers. To be a part of and have been a part of a church body for over thirty years is quite extraordinary especially in these transient times. Although the church has changed and we have changed, it is still the same for me. The same in the sense of comfort, security, a safe place, a SANCTUARY; a place of God's presence.
During those 30+ years, we have built twice; moved once. I saw many people come and go. Even still the church remained my sanctuary. My family and I grew up there in many ways. My two children were a part of Sunday School, the Youth Group; wonderful fellowship and friendships were made there. This place of sanctuary and the people within are family.
Coupled with the many wonderful memories of the people, the events, and the special times with God, my sanctuary has been a rock, a solid place, a place where I belonged. Since moving over an hour away, we have not been able to be a part as often as we would like. And, what is more, since we've been away, I have realized how very important it really has been and how much I miss.
I miss being surrounded by a body of believers who embrace you, care for your family, pray for you even when you are not aware. I miss the comfort of a familiar place to gather for worship, and I miss having my family around me in that place.
As I mentioned the church has changed over the years, and just recently it has changed again. A new name, a new location; many of the people I have known became part of the new and a few stayed with the former. Even with this change, one thing remains and will always remain. This is my church, my sanctuary. The place I have found comfort, security, love, God's presence, fellowship and laughter. NOTHING can replace the memories I hold so dear. If I could, I would erase these past five years and find myself back home again. But as I have learned in life, God's purpose and timing is perfect, and change is part of that purpose.
So I will be content and know that "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven."
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Being a worship leader over the years has meant that we've moved from church to church as my job has moved. I moved from my home church to a start-up; became their "interim" music man for 3 long years; moved on when they hired someone full-time and another church asked for help; that didn't work out well because of musicians not being faithful and another start-up called and asked if I could help them out. I worked there for over 10 years until it grew into something too large to manage on a part time basis; left that church after a change of pastors and am now 'just attending' for a change.
ReplyDeleteI guess what I'm saying is that I don't really have a home church anymore. My original church was sold and the members scattered about. We stay in touch through Facebook but I can't go back to spend church with them anymore.
But, I'v enjoyed being a nomad and getting to know people in different churches. It always had it's challenges but they were nothing compared to the fun of making music and making new friends.
God has blessed me far beyond what I deserve and I'm so grateful for the job He's given me in His body.