Sunday, at God’s Church
It seems like I’m out of town every weekend. With family in another town and friends all over, we are usually gone on Sundays. When we are home, which is rare, we’ve started going to a local church. I think they must think I’m the flakiest member though because we are never there. This last Sunday we were home but I woke up with that cough that never goes away. You know the one. The pesky cough that doesn’t hurt or anything but just keeps on interrupting every peaceful moment ever. I hate that cough. I especially hate that cough in church.
I felt so bad for skipping church yet again. It feels like we never make time for God these days. Then it hit me. Back in the days when I didn’t know where to go on Sundays I used to go to the beach by myself and just sit on the sand and talk to God about it. I felt like He understood my confusion and He would comfort me there with his handiwork all around me. It could all be in my head but some of those quiet moments felt more spiritual and close to God than any service I’ve ever sat in inside a building listening to a preacher speak. I know it’s important to be with other Christians and have fellowship but sometimes when you can’t make it to that place, I think God understands and gives you a place to be instead.
So I packed up Bug and a neighbor girl and we headed off to God’s church at the beach.
It was such a gloomy day. We had the beach to ourselves. I love the beach this way.
We got bagels (and coffee for me) and set up camp with lots of blankets and towels.
Of course the kids had to get a little wet.
And I sat back and admired the beauty of it all.
It wasn’t the prettiest of days. In fact, everybody else would have called it a terrible beach day. But it was beautiful. The sky was amazing. The sky is always amazing. Like God’s painting.
We read some verses off my phone. Bug sung us a hymn. I prayed a wimpy little prayer. It was short and feeble but that was okay because God made up our lack with the amazing sky. Sometimes words are just not necessary. You’d expect kids to be squirrely at the beach but they were strangely peaceful and more reverent than usual. All three of us sat back and looked up at this beautiful gift from God. It’s there every day and we hardly ever take a moment to appreciate it.
Then church was over and off they ran.
15 Comments
Becca
Perfect.
Mrs. Wilson
Wow. This is perfect. And I totally agree. As much as fellowshipping with other believers is necessary, God will meet you where you are at, whether you are in a pew, at home, or on the beach. And what better way to enjoy His creation?! :)
Christine
That is just beautiful. The skies are amazing. I love grey days at the beach too, when the world belongs to just you. What better way to find God?
bethany actually
Wherever two or more are gathered in His name…
a. kathy
Beautiful, Brenda. We all have a God shaped void in our hearts that only He can fill. And He will, if we let Him.
OMSH
Psalm 104: 24-25 “How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number-living things both large and small.”
Penny
I needed to read this today, thank you!
Heidi K.
Beautiful Brenda absolutely beautiful. I too needed to read this today. Thank you for being you and for being so open and honset.
Clownfish
Dear Lord
Thank you for the sand beneath us,
the clouds and sky above us,
and the expansive ocean in front of us.
Whether we are up or down at any given time
we don’t always take time to pause and see
that we always have something to be thankful for.
So, thank You most of all for this time to be with You,
surrounded by Your handiwork!
-amen
(looks like an amazing day at church!)
Stephanie
As a professional church worker I need to tell you that this is awesome. I wish more people would do this. My passion is helping folks connect to their kids about spiritual things outside of church buildings. I could list a bunch of resources for you here but that feels like spamming to me so instead, feel free to email me about books or websites or apps. There are some great things out there. And no this isn’t a personal advertisement cuz I didn’t create any of it – I just wish I did. But I love sharing tools with people who want em.
Meanwhile, bravo. You’re doing it right. God doesn’t live inside of church buildings, and yes it’s good to be connected to a community of believers. But if your faith doesn’t follow you beyond the stained glass (or these days, lights and sound system) then it doesn’t mean much. You are teaching this to your daughter and her friends and I think that is AMAZING.
Hil
This is how my family always did “church”, except we lived near forests not oceans. Whenever my dad was troubled, he talked to god on a long hike. It seems to work for us!
norm
I love this post SO MUCH.
BeachMama
Amen.
RevBex
Love this post! Like Stephanie, above, I work at a church. I’m a family pastor near Boston and I am all about helping parents take time OUTSIDE of church to experience faith with their kids.
In case you needed some encouragement, great great job! We believe that what happens at home (and at the beach, in the car, after soccer practice, while crafting, at grandma’s etc) is more important than what happens at church. Your little girl will remember how much her mom loved God’s creation, and how you taught her that God is with us everywhere, more than anything we could have done on a Sunday for an hour. Thanks for sharing your Sunday with us – what a blessing!
Alma
I often go to the beach to regroup, and feel like me again and it is a lot like church. We also try to attend church on sundays.
Lovely beach pics!