Even in times when the rest of the week we were hurrying to complete whatever task the season called for, my dad always said “There will be time.” And as far as I can remember, there always was.
Now that I’m retired and every day is a “day off” I still feel something missing if I don’t have that time to be heading down the road to church. This week we were contending with ice, so we wisely avoided the road. And we don’t feel the least bit guilty. We’re not so foolish to believe that the mere act of getting to church is some kind of rule or commandment to be obeyed.
But there is something about being together, about the chance for mindfulness about the values that unite us, even the notion that “where two or three are gathered” the feeling of Jesus in our midst is there.
If someone needs to miss this gathering time for extended periods there is real joy when they return. We hope never to shame those who’ve missed meeting, only real rejoicing when we see them again. We try to make this one essential characteristic of our little group. If you ever want to drop in, know you’ll be welcomed with love as we scooch over to make room for you in our circle.
