I was raised with religion -- Lutheran, to be specific. I went to Sunday School and church until I was confirmed and, therefore, old enough to make my own decisions about faith. I, like most teens, chose to sleep in on Sunday mornings.
But, after a few years away from the church, I felt...well, I don't know what...just that I wanted/needed to go back. Much to my mother's delight, I started joining her every Sunday morning.
Some things happened & I drifted away again. And, again, after several years, felt...some internal pull to go back. I found a new church and have been going regularly again and, of course, making the kids go, too.
I've been thinking a lot about why I felt the need to go back and what, exactly, religion and faith adds to my life. Do I really believe in God? Do I buy all these Bible stories? Why do I need to be there? What is it that draws me there? Why do I hate to miss a week -- turning down offers to run with friends if it means missing church?
My old neighbor, Howard (who goes to my church) came close to explaining it once, saying "You know, I just don't feel right when I don't go." I said, "Yeah, me, too, Howard."
The revelation
This past Sunday the pastor said something in his sermon that cleared it all up for me:
"Faith means looking at life through different eyes. Christians see things differently."
There. It. Is. (for me, anyway)
Having faith and going to church makes me a better, happier and more peaceful person because I leave there every Sunday wearing rose colored glasses. I don't see the world, or people, the way that those without faith do. I see it differently because I am reminded -- weekly -- what it means to be a Christian -- to look for the best in other people (because there IS good in ALL people) and to be compassionate and to have empathy and to forgive.
I may come into church on Sunday morning feeling irritated with an in-law, pissed off about something at work, sick-and-damn-tired of people living on my tax dollars and disgusted by the gas prices and...yatta, yatta, yatta.
But, I leave church softened. Calmed. Peaceful. I let it go there.
I am reminded that the in-law whose pissing me off deserves my compassion and understanding because that person is unhappy with their own life. Their attempts to put me in my place just reveals their insecurity and unhappiness. I need to have empathy for the sorrow in their life and forgive them for hurting me.
I am reminded that what happens at work -- and elsewhere -- is ultimately not in my control. Struggling to control things is a waste of life and energy. I can hope for, and expect, the best because I have faith. Having faith means I know that no matter what happens, I can handle it.
I am reminded that "those people" living on my tax dollars really are in need and are, for whatever reason, not able to provide for themselves and their families and I should not stand in judgment of them. And, besides, I have enough money to live a nice life -- and more than that is simply amassing worldly wealth that means nothing. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" -- Matthew 6:21
I am reminded that there are many who are more affected by the gas prices (truck drivers, etc.) and those who have much graver concerns (like cancer and hunger) than $4-a-gallon gasoline.
Faith calms me down, helps me cope and makes me see the world -- and the people in it -- through kinder, softer, more compassionate eyes.
Do you feel like something is missing in your life? Are you perpetually pissed off? Do you have a hard time seeing the good in anyone anymore? Are you at your wits end?
You might find peace at church.
Comments (2)
I love you.
That's all I have to say to this post.
O.K. I sound like a creeper now.
Let me fix what I have started.
Don't take it the wrong way! LOL!
Amen! Amen! Amen I say to you! I must agree with all you have said!!!!!!!
Last school year, I went to mass every Friday morning at my school... it was a part of my routine because when Friday came around, I was wound tighter than my guitar strings and ready to snap at anyone at any given moment. (For instance, as I am right now). I would leave Friday morning mass feeling refreshed, relaxed, and ready to take on anything... Sadly, we no longer have Friday morning mass at my school... so I have to reserve that peaceful feeling for Sunday mornings... and watch what I say and who I say it to, but I sure do miss that mass.
It's a pretty incredible feeling, that feeling of peacefulness. And the perception of the world is so much brighter through those glasses... and I often wonder (constantly wonder?) how people can live without faith.
Anyway... thanks for posting this... I feel a bit more peaceful right now. :-D
Posted by Michelle F. | May 30, 2008 4:33 PM
Posted on May 30, 2008 16:33
Hi Heather,
We're still in Fl but will be returning the 3rd week of June.
I enjoyed your Faith blog. Has Pastor seen it?
Your comments are my sentiments also. Isn't it great that we attend such a "comfortable" church! Your girls add an "element of interest" to our service. It makes me remember my kids in church years ago.
Sharyn Hughes (Jim) The Villages, FL 32159
Posted by Sharyn Hughes (POP member in Fl) | June 3, 2008 5:54 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 17:54