Where were you?

I wrote this a few days ago and just didn't know if I should post it.  I figured I might as well.  Please know that I'm not judging anyone.  I think part of the fact this has struck a chord with me is that our family doesn't really have a choice on Sunday morning.  Since my husband is a pastor we go to church no matter what.  So please read it with an open mind and know that my only hope is everyone has a place to belong and feel welcome.  

Where were you Sunday morning?  I was at church worshipping.  Where were you?

Let me start out by saying, I'm not judging and I'm not trying to put anyone down.  I'm just asking you to think about where you were!

Why do we stop growing our faith in the summer?  Oh yes, I know that leaders, students, and teachers need a break.  We all need a recharge.  Heck, I live in Minnesota and so we live for the summer when we can be outside.  But none of that or any of the other reasons give us the opportunity to stop growing in our faith.  I've heard it all as a pastor's spouse.  Here is my list....

I can be with God while I'm fishing.  Yes, yes you can, but it does not replace fellowship with other believers on Sunday.

I want to be outside with my kids.  I hear ya about family time.  We struggle to get good quality family time here at my house all the time.  But what about church is not good quality family time?  Isn't growing the faith of your children just as important as playing outside?

I am with other Christian friends.  Great, I'm glad you have friends that share your faith.  Are you discussing God and your faith while you are together instead of being at church?

I am on vacation.  Does God take a vacation from you?

Maybe I am being to harsh, but I just wanted to see what others had to say.  Give us something to think about.  God does not take a vacation from us.  Growing in our faith is not like school, a 9 month activity.  I know that church isn't the most appealing thing when the sun is shining and you can be hanging out in bed or at the lake or on vacation.  I just truly feel that sometimes it's just an excuse not to go to church instead of a chance to see and hear God speak to us in a different way.  I have read the book called Soultypes and I know that we all worship and hear God's voice differently.  For some, it is hard to connect with corporate worship, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it.  It is hard for me to worship outside but that doesn't mean I shouldn't be looking and listening to God when I am out playing or running.  You might be missing something from your summer if you don't show up for church.  Like the Holy Spirit...