“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord.’” (Psalm 122:1)
Sundays! Sunday is such a special day. Sunday is the Day God’s people are able to gather together as they share in a spiritual feast. What wonderful memories are stored in my mind of those special days growing up on Hill Street in Oklahoma City … memories of getting dressed in our Sunday best … memories of waiting on my siblings in the car to finish getting dressed … memories of blueberry muffins … conversations in the little white Rambler American on the way to and from worship services.
Wonderful memories of being in Bible classes … heading over into the big auditorium or climbing up the stairs from the basement class in the library … seeing all of the members moving to their personal pews (or so they thought) … watching the song leader announce each of the songs as we were about to sing … watching the men rise up from the front row to lead us in remembering the Lord’s death at the Table … seeing the preacher get up (sometimes swiftly and at other times slowly) and listening to the Word of God being proclaimed. Sweet … Sweet memories!
Today, I missed being with the Lord’s people and it saddened me! I’ve had to miss a lot of Lord’s Days over the past number of years due to health issues and it really hurts! My life was influenced forever by my Mother’s emphasis on the importance of being with the Lord’s people on His day and serving Him first every day.
Today I missed the shaking of hands, the warm hugs, the patting on the back, the brief, but important conversations with as many as one is able to talk with in such a short time. Yes, I’m a hugger … it’s in my genes. The giving and receiving of these expressions of love and kindness is always meaningful.
Today I missed being led in song and blending my voice with others of like-precious faith … singing songs of praise, devotion and remembrance … singing songs that always strengthen and that cause me to engage in serious self-inspection.
Today I missed sitting in a Bible Class and being led in a study of God’s Word with open discussion and frankness by a capable teacher with a passion to share God’s Word with others.
Today I missed remembering my Lord’s death on the Cross with other Christians who have been saved by the blood of Christ … and partaking of the emblems which so fitly represent His body and blood.
Today I missed the public declaration of God’s Word … words regarding the place of doubt in our lives and the words of an older preacher to the young people as they are about to start back to school.
Yes … today I missed a great deal and it truly saddens my heart. I know that the Lord understands when we are not able to physically be in attendance and that offers much comfort, but it does not remove sadness!
I have wondered so often just how it must sadden the Lord when some of His people simply choose not to be there. As for me … I choose to be there in Bible Study and worship every time I am able. What about you?
Bill Fairchild, Jr.
Yes, Bill, it is sad to miss attendance with fellow brethren. It is like missing a meal! And I guess in a sense it is just that. It is missing the nourishment from God’s word that we all need so desperately. When a time is missed it takes more and longer to make up for it. We miss you and Lori so very much and pray the Lord hold you both in the palm of HIs hand. We love you.
I agree with these memories and how much they are a part of me.
Hopefully others feel the same. These are people memories and people give us joy. God is all about relationships. I thank Him for his principles and concepts.
You are such a encouragement to us all! We walk by your great example! Look forward to seeing you soon, Lord willing.
Thank you for the reminder of those who can’t make it due to illness and describing good memories from the past. You were missed at services Sunday. Next time I see you, I’ll offer you a hug myself.
Excellent words. You crafted these words out of a deep love for God and his people and the special opportunity we have each Sunday. Thank you for the refreshing view of what we have to partake in and what we miss when we don’t.