Mommy, Why do we go to church every Sunday?

As I was getting ready this morning for church, of course we were running late. We are were tired from the day before and I overslept. My loving husband quietly left for church before we woke up to give us a little more rest. However, that gave me only 30 minutes to get myself, plus a 4 and 2 year old dressed and ready to go. And, they wanted to ride their bikes to church, which I needed another 5-7 minutes to be able to do.

I rushed around like a mad woman. I got the kids clothes laid out on the couch and told them to get dressed and I would help them with any part they couldn't do, since they both had buttons on their shirts. I ran into the bathroom and took a quick shower. When I was dressed, I came back to the living room to find my kids still in their pajamas playing on the floor with toys.

Okay, I got this!

I dressed them and told them to find their shoes. I went to the kitchen and poured some cereal for breakfast. We rarely have cereal for breakfast and of course my 2 year old wanted scrambled eggs. No, sorry. Cold cereal this morning.

I went back to the bathroom, put my make-up on and combed out my hair and put it up in some clips. No time for a blow-dryer or curling iron this morning. I grabbed my bible from my nightstand and tossed it in the diaper bag. The kids had their shoes on and I slipped on my flip-flops. They grabbed their helmets and while I was snapping the straps, my 4 year old stops me in my tracks with this question...

"Mommy, why do we go to church every Sunday?"

My quick mommy response in the moment... "That's just what we do."

He wasn't satisfied.

"But, WHY? Why do we go?"

I stood in front of him for a few seconds to collect my thoughts. Remembering he is four I said,

"We go every Sunday to learn more about God. To build our relationship with Him"

He felt satisfied and headed out to get on his bike.

During the 5 minute walk to church, I started thinking... WHY do I go to church every Sunday?

I grew up in church. It's what I did. But, thinking harder it is so much more.

There is no other place I go where I feel so connected with others of every generation. The moment I walk in the door, the music playing quietly through the speakers in the hallway and sanctuary, I feel the overwhelming presence of God. There are the hand shakes and genuine tight hugs. People know me there. They know things within my personal life, they know my struggles, they know my needs. Sometimes it's just a friendly 'Hello' and small talk, and sometimes I seek out the person that needs the hug and smile and truly ask how everything is going, knowing there is struggles in their life.

There is no other place to sing praises to God with many other people praising him with me. Hearing the voices around me, lifting their hearts to Jesus, inviting him into their hearts, crying when they are hurting, some with hands in the air, some sitting silently with their heads bowed. Everyone completely entranced by His presence.

There is no other place to partake in the Lord's Supper. To eat the bread with other believers, and drink from the cup. Honoring Jesus. Remembering just what he did for us. Every Sunday, I get to be part of such a beautiful moment. Thanking God for everything He has done in my life.

There is no other place to sit and listen to the word of God be spoken. Learning, soaking everything in, evaluating my own life. Opening that Bible and learning deeper the meaning of it all.

There is no other place to fellowship with others after the service. To sit over a cup of coffee and a little snack, growing together in life. Knowing the connectiins their are safe and genuine. The love that pours out of that place in overwhelming.

My kids are loved there. They run around with friends. They go to Sunday School and learn from generations before them about the love of God.

It is a family. It is a community. But it is so much more.

So, why do I go to church every Sunday? There are so many many reasons!

It starts my week fresh. It rejuvenates my soul. It helps me get through hard times. It is my life.

I am a Christian. I love Jesus. I love the community of followers that I can come to each week and recharge my batteries. I hope my children feel this same passion as they grow.

My 4 year old makes me think a lot. He made me stop and evaluate deeper why I do what I do. Sometimes going to church every Sunday is routine. It's 'just what we do'. But to step back and realize it is so much more.

God's love for us is so overwhelming. No words could describe that love. But, going on Sunday gives me a glimpse of that love. And, that love is through the body of believers, praising Him, honoring Him, loving others and serving others. Nothing can describe that love.