I was thinking earlier that it seems like most (or many) of my posts are religious in nature, and I’m beginning to wonder if I come across as a prude or a “Miss Goody Two Shoes” in some of them. I sure hope not because I am sincerely just a regular person who struggles with challenges and temptations every day of her life.
That said, I have yet another post that has a religious theme. It’s about a flash of insight I had Sunday. DH was gazing out of the living room window in anticipation of a visit from his son Chris, and we began a discussion about how we’d like for our children (his four, my three, our seven) to visit us in our home more often. We got a little carried away and started talking about the juxtaposition of all we’ve done for them compared to the “payback” we get. We don’t want much…just a little visit now and then and regular emails, texts, and phone calls. And yes, regular is a relative term. Some adult children speak with their children several times a day while others might check in once a week at most.
Anyway, it occurred to me that our Heavenly Father might long for the same thing, a visit to His house. I know that our homes, the beach, and golf courses can be holy places, but they aren’t “His house,” the place where believers gather together to worship Him. Is not attending church the same as not visiting parents? Is it similar, or am I going overboard here? Also, when DH and I were discussing ingratitude and feeling unappreciated and pushed to the side, I couldn’t help but wonder if He feels the same way. If so, I think it probably annoys Him to be so taken for granted, especially since He gave us the greatest gift of all, life itself.
It also occurred to me that it’s so easy to say, “I love you,” but it’s sometimes difficult to put the words into action. Lip service is easy. Walking the talk is not. Every time my children and I end a phone conversation, we always say, “I love you.” Putting that into action takes more effort. We all try to show affection. DH does too. He doesn’t just spout off empty words; he earnestly does things that show his love, things like buying trail mix because I like it so much, painting the front door a lovely calico green color although he’d prefer it plain old white, and cutting his mother’s shrubbery after a long day at work. There are countless examples of people I know who feel and show their love. I’ve recently read of several such examples on Hayden’s and Connie’s blogs.
But what about love of God? Is it easier to say it than to show it? Is it easier to take the path of least resistance and sleep in on Sunday morning…or let someone else teach the class so that you can go on a excursion? Love is work. It takes effort, and I don’t think there are any exceptions to this. Just in case anyone is wondering, this lecture is directly towards yours truly who is always slipping and sliding.
This post is getting a little rambling so I’ll bring it to a close. The bottom line is that if we love God and appreciate the many things He’s done for us, we’ll show it. We can do this by visiting in His House, showing love for our fellow man (and our sistahs), and expressing gratitude for our multitudinous blessings.
mom's musings 
“We don’t want much…just a little visit now and then and regular emails, texts, and phone calls.”
Depends on the family. I probably talk to mine once or twice a year, and not because it’s my idea.
I think the issue with God is that worship is separate from our ‘real life’. It’s a specific time and place on a specific day. It’s basically been compartmentalized.
Time to start breaking down some walls!
yep, that is what you are all right…a goodie two shoes or maybe even a goodie four shoes
I know that somewhere out there is a song
with the words Miss Goody Two Shoes in it!
Thanks for the reminder but I have been checking in with my Heavenly Father more often.
Hayden, You’re so right. I’m convinced that some people are better off with less contact rather than more because their family members are often the source of much of their distress.
I think I see what you mean about the compartmentalization of religion. To me, it should be an everyday thing instead of just a two or three hour Sunday commitment. At the same time, I NEED help in staying on the straight path, so I usually find my way to church.
Connie and Putz, If you only really knew me….