On the way in, the organist saw me and wrapped me up in his arms, so happy to see me. {Eric & I took his son to the youth gathering in 2001!} He invited me to come see his music camp musical during the Sunday service, or at least the dress rehearsal happening in 2 hours.
I finally made it to Julie... her smile was as bright as mine, and she welcomed me with open arms. We chatted, caught up on our kids, and made a promise to make a lunch date soon.
This church will always have a element of "home" for us... it was where our kids met Jesus, where I thought they would be married... the church of their childhood. In 2005 we moved to our current church, closer to home and a chance to be part of a new mission. It is hard to believe we have now been here longer than we were there...
I called Eric, and he had time to come over to see the dress rehearsal with me... and it was fantastic. There were more hugs all around, a little unexpected police business, and then we drove away. How beautiful it was to be so welcomed... and the love they shared, the love of Christ, shone all around our day.
3 comments :
What a beautiful post! I can imagine that it was hard for you to leave that church. . . but what a blessing you've been to your new church. Isn't it good to know that you can always find a church home? May it always be so.
Hope you have a wonderful day!
I remember when you were struggling with the 'move'; but I'm happy that you're so happy now. Those memories can never be taken away from you, Eric or the kids. I remember you and a tiny Lindsay/Cam on the sidewalk in front of that beloved church waving to us as we were in the parade.....must've been 75 years ago. :)
Leaving a church is so hard. But God knows what we need. When we listen to Him we will be blessed beyond measure. Soo happy you are happy.
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