I did it. I confess it.

We had come back from vacation a few days early. We are in the midst of selling our house and buying another and there were lots of preparations and details to talk of. Thus we were home on Sunday morning and I did not have any preaching responsibilities. I value these rare occasions for it allows me to attend another church. Worshipping without any leadership responsibilities is a great joy. I consider it a wonderful opportunity. Andrea and I had intended to go to a church downtown that we had chosen. The service was at 11 a.m. and this allowed a leisurely morning. I went jogging at Eagle Creek and returned home to make blueberry pancakes. Delightful!

The time came to get dressed and head for church and I thought, “Let’s take the day off. It’s so wonderful to just sit here on the patio and watch the birds and the butterflies and the grass grow.” Andrea consented. So we stayed home.

I realize the temptation to do likewise is common to most of you reading this, especially in the summer. I had kind of hoped that I’d feel some sort of deep loss as a result of this “sin.” I didn’t. I enjoyed the morning on the patio and had a wonderful morning.

Was I any the worse for this lapse? Well, yes. I was a little less grounded in the spirit. In the week that followed, I was probably a little more stressed by the problems of home buying and selling. Nothing major and one Sunday isn’t going to hurt a lot.

Yet, I was aware that I need to have weekly worship to be grounded. I need that weekly encounter with the Word to remind me of who I am and why I’m here. Without that for one Sunday, nothing catastrophic happens. But….life is not quite as full as it might be.

Over the years, it has become clear to me that a deep spirituality and regular weekly worship are partners. I am convinced that if you want to be grounded in the Spirit, you
need to worship every week. Want to feel that God is more real? Worship weekly. Want to give your kids the gifts of faith? Make sure you come to church weekly.

The opportunity for leisure is rare for many of us. Those unhurried mornings are a treasure. But grabbing one treasure at the expense of another doesn’t leave us ahead.

So I for one will make sure I attend worship both when I’m required to be there and especially in times when I’m not. I will be the better for it.