One thing that I've always wanted for my children
was for us to go to church as a family.
I know that this may seem like a
terribly old fashioned notion
but the heart wants what it wants.
So many obstacles have stood in our way,
it seemed like we would never find our way there.
My loving husband was not interested in going to church.
My wonderfully attached children
refused to go to Sunday school without me.
My mama's church that we visited
wouldn't allow me to go in with them.
The few times we tried to take them into the sanctuary with us,
ended in temper tantrums and a quick escape.
I never had a heavy heart about it though,
I just prayed that my family would find our way there.
I never once pressured my husband or my children
about going to church.
I quietly prayed and felt a peace
that I was being heard.
I prayed about it for years.
Slowly, my husband's heart softened to the idea.
Then the perfect solution presented itself,
we decided that we would start going
go to church just to enjoy to the music and
then sneak out the back before the sermon starts
and the boys get antsy.
So, last Sunday we got all dressed up
and did just that.
They had the place all fixed up for Vacation Bible School
so the boys thought that it was super awesome.
I can't explain how wonderful it felt
to have my family with me at church.
It doesn't have to be ideal,
we don't have to stay the entire time.
We don't have to present ourselves
as the perfect family
with kids that sit up straight and listen the whole time.
It's okay to stay just as long as we need to.
Simply hearing the music was good for my soul.
Watching the boys shake hands with the people around them,
I felt a sense of fellowship and community.
Reaching over to grab my husband's hand
while we sang the songs
made my spirit sour.
God heard my steady and quiet prayer.
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12 comments:
So glad you found a place that you like! It's so important that the whole family enjoys the service.
It is hard to get kids into church. Glad you found a good fit.
I love this post. You are right and God did hear your prayers. So glad you have been able to find a church that the whole family can enjoy.
What a beautiful post. Thank you for giving me hope. I've been praying that my husband will open his heart to going to church as a family. (Although I'm also waiting until the twins are just a little bit older before I bring them as well!)
What a blessing!!!! So happy for you!
Beautiful! Your commitment and experience will continue to grow and God will bless you and your family!
Thank you so much for sharing this! I have been in the exact same position for years with our sweet boy who refuses to go to the nursery and won't sit though a church service. I hope that someday we will be able to sit through an entire service as a family. Will keep up the prayers :) And which church did you decide to try? Maybe sitting through just the music is something that might work for us as well...
I complete agree. So many of us feel judged when we go to church and when we don't. Just let it be was is for you and your family and forget what is considered "normal" or appropriate.
Good for you, Leigh. And I'm glad your prayers were answered as they were.
Attending church has been important in my kids' lives.
=)
This is my second week participating, I will continue to participate!
Thanks for hosting!
Leigh, I am so glad y'all found a good fit for a church home.
It took us awhile to find a place where we feel we could call home, but we did. And YES it is always hard with kids! But, like you we've decided it's so important!
I loved this honest post about church. It doesn't have to be all or nothing. I think sometimes baby steps are what we all need to take.
LOVE you.
So glad you finally got where you wanted to be and enjoyed yourself! I am often envious of those who connect at least that once a week.
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