Let's Go To Church!

I'm not sure when I started doing this, but when we are backing out of the driveway to head toward the church, I say, "I was glad when they said to me..." and then the boys all shout, "Let's Go To Church"! (Psalm 122:1...Daigle-Style).

Growing up as a pastor's kid, I knew that raising our boys with a daddy in full-time ministry would put us in a position that few understand. It's hard to have your family at church all of the time and it not grow so familiar that it's not only not fun, but you can completely lose sight of the purpose of gathering together.

We have tried very hard to make sure that our boys enjoy going to church. Not that it's all about fun...but it is an important thing that I pray they will look forward to for the rest of their lives. So, setting up routines that make Sunday different from the rest has been a concerted effort, to say the least.

This morning it hit me. I haven't been looking forward to going to church. I think that the main reason is because I don't have any answers for the questions that people are asking right now. Our congregation has been so very sincerely concerned for me and our family that I have been speechless at many points in the last few weeks. We have had a 'Snack Fairy' that has left what seemed like a lifetime supply of Goldfish, Kool-Aid, and Cheeseballs at the front door. We have had meals brought to the house and more letters and phone calls than I could have ever imagined. I love our church family. I know that they love us. We could not have been in a better church family at this time.

Please don't think that I would like to avoid questions...it's just that I like to have answers to questions that are asked! I have been asking the same questions, trust me! It has been a big struggle to admit that I have no control over this situation. It has been a big hurdle to admit that really, I don't have any control over anything, for crying out loud!

The people at our church love us. They have been praying relentlessly for this situation to be used for God's glory. I am praying for that, too. I know that He has been using it to make me wrestle with Him over some rather ugly things. One of those things has been the pride in my heart that has not ever allowed me to ask for help when I knew that I needed it. (Then, I would find myself despising those around me for not knowing that I needed the help...honestly, did I think they were all-knowing?!)

So, just know that this morning, I honestly meant it when I said, "Let's Go To Church!", with my boys. I gave my same, "we're waiting", answer to the people that stopped me in the halls to ask about the status of our situation. I was able to worship with my heart a little more open than last week.

And, I asked someone for help yesterday. It wasn't a big deal to her...but it was a HUGE deal for me.

Progress is progress, no matter how slow!

I rejoiced with those that said to me,
"Let us go to the house of the LORD." - Psalm 122:1