SUNDAY
Repost from last year.
Sunday is a peculiar day of the week for me. I know the obvious reasons for its stand-alone importance relative to the other days of the week. It’s the first day of the week, it’s the Sabbath, therefore, a resting day appointed by God.
Sunday is more than that for me. You see, me and Sunday have had what your might call a stormy past.
When I was young it was Church on Wednesday and twice on Sunday. Going to church wasn’t an option. Oh my parents said it was, but somehow when I tried to exercise my option it ended with, “GET IN THE CAR”!
I thought when I was young, “Boy, just wait till I’m a grown up, I’m NEVER goin ta church”!
Time seemed to pass slowly, but eventually I did grow up and true to my word, I quit “Goin ta church.” During my dark years, God’s Spirit hounded me. I hated Sundays, I was moving at light speed through the week.
I was the epitome of “Burning The Candle At Both Ends.” Given the chance, I’d work 15 hours a day on Sundays. Eventually, I’d find myself stopping with nowhere to run and no place to hide. Alone with the Holy Spirit torturing my soul.
During those days if I happened to hear just the right song and I was alone, the pain in my soul would manifest itself with moisture in my eyes.
I remember a specific song written by Kris Kristofferson, sung by Johnny Cash. The song is “Sunday Morning Coming Down.” That song for whatever reason stirred up the memories of my childhood and made me long to live a better life than the one I was trapped in.
These days Sunday is still peculiar for me although for different reasons. It doesn’t feel like the first day of the week to me. It feels more like the last day of the week. It is my day of reflection, it is my rest from the last week, not my rest for the next week.
I’m not running from God anymore and I have a different focus when I share the Bible story of Jonah. I don’t dwell as much on the miracle of Jonah being swallowed by a whale and sitting in the whales stomach for three symbolic days.
I focus more on the fact that Jonah physically tried to run from God and the wisdom that he ultimately gained in the process. Proven by the fact that Jonah penned the story himself.
Running from God seems like “chasing the wind.” It is futile, but not to a lost world or a madman.
Occasionally my girls would want a day off from Church, sometimes we’d give it to them. Other times my wife and I would explain to them that it wasn’t the ritual of going to Church that honored God. It is the obedience and sacrifice of our time to show thanks and respect to God.
Similar to a tithe offering, we’re going to give, not to get. In that process, we gain more than we can ever give. In a humble state of being before God is where we found Him.
God has used my foolishness to give a bit of wisdom. I’m no Solomon, but wise enough to warn the young people in my life that with free will comes choices. With choices come consequences, either positive or negative.
I remind them that God is in control, He either causes or allows all things in life. I don’t want them to carry the spiritual and physical scars of an undisciplined life. It is my deepest desire to not have them wander this earth as the walking wounded.
It saddens me to think of a cold wind blowing across the faces of the tormented souls with tears in their eyes on Sundays because they hear Church Bells ringing in the distance.
Amy Nabors
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 7:58 am
I grew up as you did. Twice on Sundays and on Wednesdays. While I never quit going to church I have learned that going three times a week or once a week doesn’t make you any more a Christian than not. The church we go to now has four identical services on Sunday to choose from and only a Wednesday evening service the 1st Wednesday of each month. I love that there isn’t pressure to be there every time the doors are open which makes me want to be there even more.
Floyd
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 11:52 am
I have to say, all the discipline and perseverance didn’t hurt in the long run. Doesn’t look like it did you any harm either. I don’t miss the legalism of the old days though, that’s for sure. Thanks Amy.
Hazel
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 6:42 pm
I read this post to my husband, who had little or almost no religious background as a child. We did take our three children twice on Sunday and also on Wednesday. They each had their rebellious stage but came back later on. I suppose the verse that says “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is older he will not depart from it” – – must be true! Glad you returned and stopped beating the wrong path cause it just don’t get any better the longer one waits.
Floyd
Saturday, December 17, 2011 @ 12:48 pm
Absolutely right! God has a way of getting who and what He wants! For the stubborn, I can’t imagine the shallow and sad life they try to bury with life and all the events in it. We, like you, are counting on the truth of that verse of God for our children as well. Thanks Hazel.
Voni Harris
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 10:08 pm
Pew-sitter or Christian…how can anyone but you and God can know for sure. Good thoughts, Floyd
Floyd
Saturday, December 17, 2011 @ 12:50 pm
Well said Voni. I’ve known many pew-sitters along the way. I guess at some point and time our fruits or the lack thereof will help identify us, even if only before God.
Nancy
Saturday, December 17, 2011 @ 12:57 am
“I don’t want them to carry the spiritual and physical scars of an undisciplined life. It is my deepest desire to not have them wander this earth as the walking wounded.” —> Loved this part! I have been reading Psalms 78 where God recounts all the things he did for Israel and how Israel disrespected Him…then there were the times HE left them to themselves. It was like he said, “Oh well…”
The other side of the Blessing is the Curse. If we are not operating in the Blessing, then we will be overtaken by the Curse….and the Curse, causeless, shall not come. Psalms 78 made it clear that the reason He wanted Israel to listen to Him and learn His Word was so that they could pass it to their children and they to theirs, and so on. He didn’t say, ‘if it’s convenient”. There is honor in self-discipline…then God doesn’t have to get involved later to help us “line up” . So glad the Holy Spirit never gives up on us! Thanks for a great post Floyd!
Floyd
Saturday, December 17, 2011 @ 12:53 pm
Very well said Nancy. I often ponder the strength of the ones He calls. I mean, how easy is it to roll down the wide path of destruction? A fool can find that path. Only the strong and chosen can find and see the value of the path directed by God, even if it means tough going now and again. Thanks Nancy.
Danelle
Saturday, December 17, 2011 @ 12:05 pm
Have you read THE REST OF GOD by Mark Buchanan? I was thinking of the book as I read your post. I think you would really like it. Anything by Mark Buchanan is outstanding.
Such a difference between a “pew sitter” and a “Christian”.
And you are right. Only we can know.
Us. And God.
Good words here Floyd.
Merry Christmas!
Floyd
Saturday, December 17, 2011 @ 12:55 pm
I haven’t read anything by Mark Buchanan… Yet. If you’re recommending him, he must be worthy, especially of what I know of you and you’re God given talent. Thanks Danelle. Merry Christmas to you and yours as well!
Effie-Alean Gross
Monday, December 19, 2011 @ 11:21 am
Only for a brief time of backsliding did I NOT go to church on Sunday. I felt so miserable, and I’m sure it was the Holy Spirit convicting me. Besides, like you wrote, consequences are the result of our actions. Now, I’d rather be in church than any other place on Sunday.
On another note, God never changed the Sabboth…Saturday, the seventh day, a day of rest. Since Christians worship on Sunday, that’s probably why it feels like the last day of the week…the day God intended for us to rest.
At any rate, He accepts our worship. I honor Sunday as my day of worship and rest, too. The Lord speaks when we are still enough. I long to hear from Him, as you do, too, Floyd. Wonderful post–again!
Floyd
Monday, December 19, 2011 @ 12:31 pm
Thanks Effie. That’s a great point about the Sabbath. I too, like you, cherish the days of worship at church. There’s something very comforting to my spirit that we can’t get anywhere else.
brad
Monday, December 19, 2011 @ 11:58 am
I feel like I just read my story, I guess its our story. I sometimes think what a shame it took so long to realize these things. Then again, I just thank God I finally do realize these things and life is much better because of it. Accepting life on lifes terms isn’t easy. Accepting the things we cannot change isn’t easy either, but the harder I try to do just that, the easier it is to accomplish. And I know the older I get, the more it will come into play, physically as well as mentally.
Floyd
Monday, December 19, 2011 @ 12:35 pm
Our stories are similar for sure. I’m fascinated how God chooses the strong willed, or I should say; how He intends to use those of us He created strong willed. Some people call it stubborn, I’ll bet you have considered it stupidity more than once… Just a guess… Thanks Brad, it’s nice to know we’re not alone isn’t it?
brad
Monday, December 19, 2011 @ 4:03 pm
Yes it sure is!