One of the posts I decided to showcase on my SITS day was about the time we skipped church. The post generated a lot of comments, more than I was anticipating; however, one comment that basically said, "What's the point?" really caught my attention. I decided I wanted to spend a little bit of time talking about why I go to church.
I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Or, I'm a Mormon. Or, I'm LDS. I was born and raised LDS. After I left home and started living life on my own, I chose to remain LDS. Being a Mormon is so much more than just attending church on Sundays. It's an entire lifestyle. No, I'm not one of 15 wives married to the same man, but I am a Christian who firmly believes in the teachings of the LDS faith.
It is because of this that I choose to deal with the ups and downs of taking a toddler to church. I have been blessed beyond measure for doing that which I know to be right, even when it seems to have no purpose. Before I was a mother, I would attend church and feel so uplifted and motivated to be a better person. After my daughter was born {and before she was old enough to attend the nursery}, I rarely, if ever, had those same feelings. I was going to church strictly out of obedience to God, having faith I would be blessed for it later.
Some Sundays are great. Others not so great. Either way, I always feel like I did the right thing when I go to church, regardless of what I got out of it. At the very least, I know by consistently going to church, I'm teaching my daughter what I deem important in life. And I want my daughter to know that I don't just talk about what I believe, but that I put into action what I believe.
So, to the person that asked, "What's the point?" My simple answer is, "Because it is the point." I can't imagine how my life would be if I didn't believe in a Heavenly Father that knows and loves me. I can't imagine how my life would be if I didn't feel like I mattered. Because of church, I know I matter. I know who I am. I know where I came from. I know where I'm going. I know I am here for a reason.
And that, my friends, is why I go to church.
Well said!
ReplyDeleteWell said Emily!
ReplyDeleteThis is so great and I definitely needed this reminder. I hardly ever feel uplifted, or really even hear much of anything anymore...but I know it's where I need to be.
ReplyDeleteI'm Jewish, but don't attend temple as regularly as I would like. My schedule doesn't always permit it and the temple near my house is a bit of an uncomfortable fit for me (mostly senior citizens). I know that shouldn't matter, but it makes a difference in the sense of community I feel when I attend. That being said, I totally get where you're coming from.
ReplyDeleteI think it was rather rude of that commenter to say that, but I suppose that's besides the point.
ReplyDeleteWhat I've always wanted out of church-- but I've never gotten-- is a feeling that I belong. I've always felt out of place, like everyone had known each other for 100 years and I was the odd one out. If I could get past that feeling, if I could feel like I belong and that people cared whether or not I was there, i would go more often.
Nice post Emily!! Two thumbs up!!
ReplyDeleteVery nicely said!
ReplyDeleteYou are doing your family right. And one day your daughter will surprise you with a testimony of her own. My oldest is just a few weeks from starting Young Woman's. She has become my pillar of strength. Making all the hours of walking the halls worth it.
ReplyDeleteI started following you on your SITS day!
Awesome. And what a pure and sweet example of your personal testimony. Well said. And yes, it is most def a life style.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I agree...we go to church because the church is true!!! That's all that matters!! Plus, it's 3 hrs out of the week...so little compared to all Heavenly Father blesses us with. Thanks for sharing your testimony!
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