Tuesday, December 04, 2007

An early start

I decided to try and make an early start on my quest for a spiritual home. In other words, I went with Meg to the local ELCA church she joined a year ago or so. Which was interesting in the sense that I had been there with her before, but mostly just to help watch the children. My sense had been that we were going to church as a family, rather than that we were going to join a community in worship.

So on Sunday I tried to focus on the latter (the joining a community in worship bit). And such was not always easy. OK, more accurately, it was nearly impossible much of the time with our 5 and 7 year old, autistic sons making frequent demands for our attention. But in those moments when I could focus on feeling part of a community, it was...fulfilling, is the word I think I'm looking for.

I do not know if this is the church that I will join. I'm not sure how even to pose the questions that would lead to such an answer.

But I do know that something felt right about having a spiritual home, about the sense of togetherness that I felt.

6 comments:

Diane M. Roth said...

I love the elegance of your distinction, worshiping as a family vs. joining a community...

more cows than people said...

YES! i'm so glad you made an early start! and grateful for these first positive feelings! give me a call if you want to talk.

Katherine E. said...

Your post has left me smiling...

Unknown said...

Your path seems to be straightening out. Good Lcuk.

more cows than people said...

oh, btw, i realized that you began this at just the right time- this past Sunday was the first Sunday of the new church year, it was the church new year- first Sunday in Advent. if you feel like sticking with it this month i think that would be great!

Magdalene6127 said...

Steve, what a lovely post... and I agree with Diane about the distinction. It's very subtle but important and real.

Blessings on your seeking!

Mags