WHY AM I SITTING HERE?

I started asking myself the question, "Why am I sitting here?" Sitting in church on Sunday morning. I have done this ritual for most of my life, but why? To feel like I pleased God by being there... well I hope it pleases God for sure but I sit and listen to clergy share their hermeneutics of the Holy Bible, philosophical thought, a political agenda tirade, or an unorthodox miss interpretation of Holy Scripture or all of the above. So why am I sitting here? Sometimes I just wish I was anywhere else but in the pew. So why am I sitting here? It is a frustrating and empty feeling. But there are Sundays the pastor has a message that uplifts me or convicts me to be a better Christian.

What am I actually seeking when I am sitting in the church pew? That quiet moment when I feel the Holy Spirit whisper to me that I am part of something ancient and everlasting. The assurance that I am loved by Heavenly Father and Jesus's sacrifice for me was not in vain. I hear wisdom, guidance, and comfort from the Holy Scriptures being read in community. Kneeling down at the altar rail to receive the Holy Communion to once more tell Jesus I am here and still want to be a part of Him. I leave the pew and church feeling cleansed and ready to try another week of holy living. I have again done what billions of Christians throughout history have done before me.

This reminds me of a Hymn written in 1868 called, "In the Sweet By and By."

There’s a land that is fairer than day,
And by faith we can see it afar;
For the Father waits over the way
To prepare us a dwelling place there.

Refrain

In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

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