Why I go to Church

Last Sunday I was feeling unusually optimistic.  It looked like we had a shot of not just being on time, but being EARLY for church.  Since Wayne has started leaving several hours before us for meetings on Sunday, I admit I've missed his helping hands in the process of getting the kids ready and out the door for church.  I need to plan better, and hope my feelings don't come across as complaining, but rather show that behind a seemingly put together sister at church, there's an honest to goodness work in progress.

Back to Sunday...Both Grace and Caroline have a plethora of shoes, but when it came time to throw on A pair (we're not picky at this point on Sun.) a match was nowhere to be found.  Snow boots was sounding like an option.  The whining accelerated.  Wesley, who had just woken from his nap was cranky due to too many teeth coming in for his comfort.  The thought crossed my mind that Primary could run without me today.  The answer was yes, but I thought, "No...We'd come this far today.  Shoes and whining will not be my defeat." I felt like my heart and soul went into autopilot, we got ourselves together, shoes and all, and headed to church.  There was a serious scolding in the car, and lots of silence during our 25 minute drive.  I wish I could say it was the Peaceful kind of quiet.  I silently prayed that I would see why I come to church.  I knew the answer, but I felt a desire for a reminder.  The impression came to mind, "You are needed."  

We got to church just as it started, a record for the past couple months!  I was feeling good about that.  Wayne was with the YM helping with the sacrament, so I sat down with the kids.  Opening hymn started and so did Wesley.  He wouldn't sit still and had way too much to say.  I took him to the lobby wondering how the four kids I left behind would do until Wayne could come sit with them.  I admit feeling frustrated...we didn't make it through 5 minutes in the chapel!  As I sat there, out of the chapel walked my friend and her screaming toddler.  We commiserated for a few minutes.  She had a morning similar to mine.  We hoped our kids were doing well in the chapel. {I felt I had good reason to be concerned after Thomas whacked Christina over the head with The Friend magazine during Sacrament Mtg. a few months back.  We were sitting in the second row...not my proudest mommy moment!}  In those few minutes in the lobby with my friend...it felt good to be understood and to be understanding.

I took the sacrament in the lobby with Wesley.  We found Jesus in the beautiful paintings on the walls around us.  I was glad that one painting depicted Christ in Gethsemane. Gratitude.

Wesley went to nursery and seemed to dive right in, so I darted to Primary to conduct Opening Exercises.   The kids sang "Called to Serve" for the opening song, and I felt strengthened by their resounding voices.  "God our strength shall be, Press forward ever, Called to serve our King!"

Sharing time involved a visit from Sister Friendly.  Oh my, the kids adore her!  She wears an apron with surprises in the pockets and during her lesson she calls on reverent kids to pick a surprise.  She shared sweet experiences about personal service, and when she bore testimony saying, "It is a blessing to be here to serve," the Spirit swelled in my heart.  I was in the right place.  The children sang "If the Savior Stood Beside Me."  Their angelic voices carried the message of the song and lifted my spirits once more.  Our chorister bore testimony and I felt thankful to be there.  The kids enjoyed a "popcorn party" for their wonderful singing over the past couple months in preparation for the Primary Program coming up in 2 weeks.  While the kids ate, I enjoyed visiting a bit with my friends who are also serving in primary.  I serve among talented, wise, spiritual giants.  A few minutes of "sisterhood" was wonderful.

Church concluded.  We made it, and I was feeling strengthened and inspired to make next Sunday morning run smoother.  I found Wesley's teacher and she said he was a little cranky throughout nursery, but bless their hearts for keeping him there and loving him for 2 hours!  I am so very thankful for those who nurture my children during church.  They are tremendous.  Heaven forbid any one of them have a morning like mine and decide to stay home...they are so needed!

And so it is...the Sunday morning scenario may never run perfectly smoothly at my house, but I do this each week because I said I would.  

I said that I would stand as a witness.  I said that I would consecrate my time and talents to the Lord's work.  I said that I would use my divine role as a mother to help my children build the sure foundation of their testimonies.  I said I would lead.  I said I would serve.  All of these commitments I have made throughout my existence, because I BELIEVE, and it feels good to fulfill these sacred promises, even despite my shortcomings.  It feels good to keep my word.  Although last Sunday I did not sit through a lesson taught by a teacher at church, it felt good to accumulate recharging moments when the Spirit bore witness to me of truth...through the voices of the children, the testimonies of leaders, and support of sisters.  Isn't it interesting....I go to church to give because of my faith, but I come away filled because of my faith.  Amid my moments of frustration, my Savior is The Peacegiver, offering evidence time and time again of why I go to church and why I BELIEVE.  I am ever thankful.

"And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls.

And they did meet together oft to partake of the bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus.

And their meetings were conducted by the church after the manner of the workings of the Spirit, and by the power of the Holy Ghost; for as the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to preach, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done." -Moroni 6:5-6, 9