My hubby and I ran into a sister from the congregation we stopped attending a year ago. We were trying to run into a store out of the cold, our son in tow. That didn't stop her. She jogged along side of us and managed to "encourage" us to come back to the meetings.
She is one of those people that seem very warm and genuine, although she is a very devoted witness - pioneer and all. She's the type I feel kind of sorry for, and I try not to be rude.
However I thought this was soo funny she goes "I miss you guys, I really wish you would come back. We've had a lot of changes in the congregation recently. Actually, our Sunday meeting is now at 6pm. So if that makes it any easier for you guys you should really come back to the Sunday meeting."
We thanked her and hurried on, but I was cracking up. Like a Sunday night meeting at 6pm with a small child is sooo easy. Come on when do you eat dinner? How do you get your kid to wind down and go to sleep at a decent time before starting a new week of school? And who wants to get dressed up on a Sunday night after bummin' all day and go out in the cold?
Man, the sad thing is there was a time in my life when I would have dragged my ass to that very meeting. AND I would have probably gone out in service the same Sunday morning. I shudder to think of the way I used to compromise my physical and mental health by pushing myself for the organization. If I only had a dime for every time...well you get the picture.
My Sundays are so different now. Leisurely pancake and bluegrass mornings. Cut lawns and porch swings. Newspapers or a matinee. Piano scales and chasing my son in his superman cape. A soak in the tub. A conversation with a friend. Parks and museums. Life. Rejuvenation. A day of rest. A day of gratitude and blessing. Sunday, the way its meant to be.
So to all on the board, I wish you a glorious relaxing, restful Sunday tomorrow. No pain or regret. No stress. Just put it out of your mind and revel in the freedom to make it your very own day.
Peace.