Is that possible? This might be heretical, I don't know. Just warning you...
I've been pondering things like this lately as I've been invited to so many church functions it almost seems impossible. Meetings for: Sunday School teachers, VBS teachers, leadership for building fund, fun 80's night for building fund info, women's ministry re-vamping - and that's all in two week's time! That doesn't include our Sunday morning church and teaching Special Friends' Sunday School, Tuesday morning Bible Study, ensemble practice (which I had to drop), Wednesday night kids' activities and choir practice... and I've even considered attending on Sunday night as well. I did that once, and it was just too much.
Is that horrible to say it's "too much" to go to church? I know we're not supposed to "forsake the gathering," but surely I'm not doing that as many other times each week as we darken our church door.
Now, I'm not questioning these things because I don't enjoy them. I am loving falling in love with a church again. I thoroughly enjoy being an active part of a church family. But this is my struggle... I'm so busy going to church (with my kids) that we don't want to do anything else but stay home! GASP! You know what that means? No resources left for ministry. Something about that just seems all backwards to me. So, go one more evening per week? Or pare down to have family resources left for planting flowers for an elderly friend, encouraging a friend at a play date, baking something for someone else, caring for a child with disabilities to help a tired mother...
So there ya' have it. I think we're spending too much time at church lately! I want to have time to meet others' needs. I want my kids to experience ministry, but we're at church so much, we don't have any time to be the church.
I will say very clearly that I think there's nothing wrong with the church for having these things. I'm certainly not criticizing anyone else for doing every single one of them...at the same time, even! And I'm not advocating no participation in church, so don't read that into it. But I was reading in "My Utmost for His Highest" the other day about cutting off my right hand if it hinders my walk with the Lord. Before that, and since, I just keep having this nagging feeling that busyness -church busyness- is my "right hand." If I'm so busy doing things at church, I can't possibly be doing things for needy people. If ministering blessed the Lord, and I'm blessed by the joy of serving others, aren't I/we completely missing out? So if something has to go because we just can't do it all, which is it?
Some days, I think Jesus might just skip the meeting! What do you think??
2 comments:
Good question to be asking at this time in your life, babe. Your answer could help determine your kids response to church down the road and your burned-out-ness later! I love it when you open yourself up for input and let us see your decision-making processes, as it helps me to think through things as well. And I think that for right now, with the kids at their ages, you are probably right about Jesus' choice. And the best part is that if you make a wrong choice now, He'll make it clear and you can change your mind, without having caused permanent damage to anyone! And you'll create a learning experience for Jacob, at least - and perhaps cause some others who are in the same place to think through their own choices!
LY much MOM
I'm way on the other end of the spectrum as far as church involvement is concerned. I would like to be more involved in a church, but that is just not where we are right now. Anyway...that's a whole other blog. I just couldn't help but comment in agreement with the whole idea of being too involved. I think it is something that the church doesn't neccessarily respect nowadays. Quality time with family is so important, I think. Especially while the kids are so young. Just my 2 cents, but I think that if you are feeling this way, you need to take heed. Hope I'm not coming across as too critical or harsh...
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