I’m happily writing from our little apartment in Texas. The pup and I pulled in on Thursday evening to the waiting arms of a man who was just a mite tired of bachelor living, and over the last couple of days, we’ve gotten ourselves settled in. I awoke this morning thinking about church.
With all of our travel and disjointedness of the last few weeks, our attendance has been sketchy, at best. We’ve already said our “official” goodbyes at our home church in Florida, and while Hubs has visited a church here in Texas, I’ve yet to try one. I was thinking to myself this morning (with no small amount of excitement) where the Lord would have us end up. Who would we meet? With whom would I do Bible study? How would we serve?
I can’t think of church without returning in my mind to the church of my youth. I was privileged to attend the church where most all of my dad’s family had or did attend, and where my parents were married. We were there every Sunday, my dad serving as deacon, then elder, my mother as a Sunday school teacher. We were there every summer for VBS, where my mother was always involved in some capacity. I made my profession of faith on Palm Sunday 1973, and was baptized there on Easter. We made every Fellowship Dinner, located (where else?) in the Fellowship Hall, and ate the culinary specialties of sweet old ladies like Mrs. Dooley, or the Bryan Sisters. I discovered I could sing at that church, and did so on a regular basis with the “Cross-Country Singers” youth choir, at camp and during the sing-a-longs at youth group. My dad walked me down the aisle to the very same altar where he had married my mom, and handed me over to my groom.
As I think back to that church, I realize that not only did I know everyone, but I knew where everything was, too. I knew where to find the salt and pepper in the church kitchen. I knew where they kept the communion trays and cups, and how they were washed and dried. I knew which door led to the store room behind the pipe organ, and that the organist kept a special pair of “organ” shoes back there that look scandalously like slippers! I even knew where the broom closet was.
I realize now that you don’t get to know the “behind the scenes” of a church unless you dare to become a part of them. You can be a Sunday morning attender, or even take it to the next level and be a part of a study or small group, but I think it’s only through serving a church in some capacity that it really begins to become a part of you, and you of it. I knew all of the ins and outs of that childhood church because my parents served there. We didn’t just attend church, we helped it function. We staked a claim there and became a part of its corporate heart beat; by stepping up to serve, we became part of something greater than ourselves.
I’m excited to learn the inner-workings of my new church – wherever it is – confident that one day I’ll know where they keep the brooms. What about you? Could you find your church’s broom closet?
P.S. I have something to say that’s been nagging at me since my post about “Traveling the Road Home.” While I dearly love a fine hotel, boutique inn, or bed and breakfast, please understand that I don’t always get to stay in the lap of their luxuries! My being a “hotel snob” just means that I really scrutinize the places I stay and hold them to a very high standard, preferring to stay in the best we can afford. However, especially in this economy, I have to “keep it real” like everyone else. Go La Quinta!
So very glad you made it safely!! That was quite a trip for you and the pup!! I bet your man was beside himself once you got there.
I know what you mean about “knowing’ a church. We are now members of the church I grew up in and while it has grown so so much since my childhood days, there are still places in the old chapel that bring back such wonderful memories for me.
Thanks for helping me take a trip down memory lane.
Leah
Melinda, thank you for writing this post. It flooded our hearts with great memories. The Lord truly blessed our family during all the years we worshiped at this church. It will be exciting to see where the Lord leads you and Kevin to worship and serve.
We love you so much!!
Mom and Dad
I am so glad you are there too. I quickly remembered playing hide and seek in my church growing up….not sure why we were doing that! I love the memories.
Praying for you. Love you much!
Big hugs,
Fran
The broom closet, the mop closet, the flannel graph drawer…I know where it all is! It comes with the territory.
Whatever church receives your membership will be blessed indeed! I would love to have an entire roster of Melinda’s on the roll.
Happy nesting to you this week~elaine
Melinda,
I an email, let me know where you are in in Texas….We are close to so many places in Texas and I am in Dallas several times a month….
Glad you arrived safely.
Melinda, I loved what you had to say about church and how serving in one is the only way we’ll get to know its ins and outs. So true — and what a blessing to know a church in that way. May God lead you to your new church home!
I bet your Man was so happy to see the two of you!!! While we had not become members of our church (wink) I certainly knew where the broom closet was, as well as the next box of kleenex. I rolled up my sleeves, and I love to help others.
I’m looking forward to serving where God does the leading.
Love to you,
Yolanda
You’re in Texas!!! Woo Hoo! Now, you do know that if you’re ever in Houston, you know a siesta you can call up! 🙂 So excited for y’all in this new journey.
Hi Honey!! I miss you so!
I loved this story then, and I love it now!!
So glad to see you keeping the blog fires burning.
I look forward to hearing about the journey that you two take to that next blessed church closet,
My love to you,
pat
Mel, I’m grinning from ear to ear. Along with Sharon and Tom, thanking you for writing this sweet memory! I love all the heritage, love and life lessons learned there. Thanks be to God!! Oh, and so glad you’re hear to worship!!!
Love you sweet CSF! Lisa
So glad you made it safely. If you are in the San Antonio area, I would love to invite you to visit my church family. It has been my church my entire life and now my husband and I get the honor of raising my girls there also.
Sandy