Okay, we're in Virginia, returning our daughter to her beloved college. Last year, she tried 3 churches, and then decided to attend one. After several months, when she decided to become a member, so that she could actively serve in the church, she had some reservations and decided to move on.
Well, this morning, we tried the fourth church since we've been making regular trips to VA. And next week, we already know that we are trying a fifth church.
Finding a church is a hard thing. We know that. Back in the Fall/Winter of 1998/99 we visited 11 churches in 5 months looking for the "perfect church." We now know, that on this fallen earth, there is no such thing as a "perfect church." They are full of fallen people. And everything is prone to fall. But this is good for her, and so is the opportunity to find out what you like in a church and what you don't like in a church. Or what are the most important things to look for in a church. And in her process, she doesn't have to haul little babies into different nurseries, like I did back in 1998. And she will realize that, eventually, she will find an imperfect church with an imperfect body, but it will be where God wants her. And that's what is most important.
I feel blessed on two counts. 1. That my daughter is learning valuable lessons while she is young, and 2. that I have very lovely sons who are willing to (and want to) go to strange Sunday School classes without any fuss.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Wedding Traditions
Don and I, along with David and Stephanie, went to the wedding of a girl that we have known since she was 4. She and David grew up in the same Sunday School class and had all of the same Sunday School teachers. Well, today was her much anticipated wedding. She was so excited and so sweet. Her groom wept as she walked down the aisle... his love for her overwhelming him. It was precious to see.
At the reception, they had a special dance. They made ALL of the married couples get onto the dance floor and they played "Through the Years". After one stanza the DJ announced, "Okay, everyone who has been married less than 5 hours, get off the dance floor." The bride and groom left. Then he said, "Everyone who has been married for less than 5 years, get off the dance floor." A handful more left. After every stanza he went up another 5 years. Finally, he got to 45 years and all but 5 couples were back in their seats. He then interviewed the 5 couples. Two had been married for 48 years, one for 50, one for 51 and one couple for 53 years. Of course, they were all elderly, sweet people, and their advice was "don't bother trading her in for a younger model, no one will be as good." Or, "just persevere when the going gets tough." Yes, they all had something sweet to say. But most of all, I liked the concept of showing longevity in a marriage at a wedding, and encouraging others to do the same!
At the reception, they had a special dance. They made ALL of the married couples get onto the dance floor and they played "Through the Years". After one stanza the DJ announced, "Okay, everyone who has been married less than 5 hours, get off the dance floor." The bride and groom left. Then he said, "Everyone who has been married for less than 5 years, get off the dance floor." A handful more left. After every stanza he went up another 5 years. Finally, he got to 45 years and all but 5 couples were back in their seats. He then interviewed the 5 couples. Two had been married for 48 years, one for 50, one for 51 and one couple for 53 years. Of course, they were all elderly, sweet people, and their advice was "don't bother trading her in for a younger model, no one will be as good." Or, "just persevere when the going gets tough." Yes, they all had something sweet to say. But most of all, I liked the concept of showing longevity in a marriage at a wedding, and encouraging others to do the same!
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