Spiritually Home

The first Sunday after Easter this spring, we decided to attend the services of a church just a couple of miles from our house. The congregation had outgrown 3 previous "sanctuaries," the first being a mobile home, and were worshiping in the gymnasium, while anticipating the completion of their new "house."

We were met that sunny Sunday morning by a gracious greeter who offered the directions to the children’s services. We declined. After all, we had been trying to find a church home for almost a year, and after each visit, our boys would beg, "Can we make this our church home?" We were all so relationally hungry.

That Sunday was different. Almost from the first moments, we sensed a difference… We had found a spiritual oasis we were searching for.

Yesterday was the dedication service our new "House." It is a beautiful building that will house 800, and should allow us to meet in one service for awhile. The balcony is unfinished, but yesterday’s service had no spare seats.

I’m thankful for the comforts and aesthetics of such a dwelling but as I closed the door behind me, I pondered that it wasn’t the building that begged our return for all these months. It was the simple truth of the Word that drew our hungry hearts.

Moving is difficult and you have followed my journey. Attending the same church for 10 years brought comfort. To say that I don’t miss the solace that comes with being known and loved isn’t truthful.

But I can say with deep satisfaction that we are spiritually home.