Do you know God? If you answered, “yes,” do you feel like you’re best buddies on a first name basis or is he/she/they more of a casual acquaintance? If you answered “No,” do you wish you did, but have no idea how to break the ice? Getting in the habit of attending the church of your choice is an easy first step to getting to know the man/woman/person upstairs.
Thanks Mom! (and Dad)
I was lucky enough to be raised by a mom and dad who both believed and through their example, I was left with no other option than to believe also. Their habit of attending church was instilled in me from an early age. It was easier to get out of going to school for being sick than it was to get out of church. As a kid I didn’t always delight in their devotion. Sure, when I was really little there was Sunday school to look forward to, and back when I was a kid it was well attended. We had enough kids showing up each week to have a classes for every age group! As I got to my teenage years, I whined that Sunday was my only day to sleep in. This whining fell on dead ears. Attendance was mandatory. It was a habit. Back then, I didn’t understand why.
Now that I’m older this church habit thing makes more sense
I see the method to my parents vigilance. As I now fight, battle and cajole my own sleepy teenagers on Sunday mornings, I realize that what my parents were doing was building a solid foundation. Our habit of church attendance played a critical part of this. In fact, I think I’ve heard that somewhere! According to the Holy Bible, as written Matthew 7:24-27, it’s important to “Build on the Rock.” Of course, that rock on which you’re directed to build is God.
But why should I make church a habit?
From my own experience, the darkest most confusing times of my life were when I strayed furthest from God. This was in large part because I fell out of the habit of including God in my life and attending church. As I grew up, got married, and had kids, it became evident that I didn’t have the answers, but thanks to my parents’ unfaltering guidance I had an idea of who did.
Wondering where to start a good church habit?
I started out by finding a church I really liked. I’d gone off and on over the years since graduating and moving away from my parents, but I hadn’t developed the habit of going to any particular place. Part of this was because I moved so much. Part of this was because I hadn’t fully embraced the importance of habit.
Once I was settled in the place I would begin my family, I went weekly to a variety of churches around town. Though I was raised Lutheran by a Lutheran mother, my father was Catholic, so I had some familiarity with that faith tradition as well. Each week, I went around town and attended services. I attended a variety of Lutheran churches, a few Catholic and even some Presbyterian and Methodist.
When you know- you know
One Sunday I attended Immanuel Lutheran. The liturgy, songs, and prayers were all very similar to those from my upbringing. I’d found this to be the case in some of the other services I’d attended, but the others services didn’t have Pastor Tess. I’d worshipped under the direction of women pastors, ministers and faith leaders before, but this dynamic woman stood out. Pastor Tess spoke from a place that was raw, real and honest. I knew this would become my church home.
Share the good news
I couldn’t wait to bring my, then boyfriend, the following week. I told him, “You’ve got to see this lady! She’s a trip!” He came the following Sunday and felt the same enthusiasm. We began the habit of attending each week. When we felt ready, we joined. Shortly after that, we asked Pastor Tess to officiate at our wedding in Spearfish Canyon. Following that, she baptized my first child in the church. Eighteen months later, she baptized my second child on the foot of my dying mother’s hospital bed – on my mom’s last birthday.
It all started with a habit
My journey that’s included the death of my parents, marriage to my husband and the birth of our daughters all started with habit. Before I knew what I wanted or needed, my parents made knowing and checking in with God a habit for me. This habit gave me the foundation to grow and further my relationship with God. It gave me the courage to know how to go about it. If you’re looking to get to know God, or strengthen your relationship, give church a go.
It might seem scary especially if you didn’t grow up with church-militant parents like my own. Don’t be afraid to “shop” around. When you find somewhere that feels comfortable, come in and take a seat. Few things in life can provide such great rewards for just showing up. Create a habit. Sure, it might seem like a drag to wake up early on a Sunday, but the unquestionable power of habit will transform your heart as you open it to let God in.