Traveling
One of my favorite things to do in life, honestly, is to travel. Whether it’s exploring new places or returning to favorite destinations to experience them anew, it’s been something that I’ve loved for many years. I didn’t necessarily grow up doing a lot of traveling – money was tight and my parents’ divorce didn’t leave a lot of natural opportunities for traveling and vacations – but when the opportunities arose, I’d take advantage.
The summer is a natural time for traveling – whether the camp, the cabin, the beach, Kennywood, Idlewild or Town Park Pool – there are lots of opportunities. And certainly, some of that travel happens on weekends, which means that our regular routines, including worship, can fall by the wayside. Especially when we’re traveling far, Sundays easily become the most logical day for travel.
If you’ve been away or irregular in gathering for worship this summer – maybe even because a single 10a service was more complicated for your life – I want to offer you two pieces of encouragement.
First, even though you were traveling and away from the church building… you were never far away from the Church community, or the God who created you, called you and loves you eternally. Like Israel being led through the wilderness by a pillar of fire at night and a cloud by day – you can look around you and see the evidence of God’s presence among you – in the face of every person you encounter. God is with you, even if you’re not sitting in a pew on Sunday. And I hope that our YouTube and Facebook feeds, along with these midweek messages, are a helpful encouragement to you in your continued journey.
Second, one of the best parts of traveling… is coming home. Sleeping again in your own, comfortable bed, surrounded by all of the things that bring you peace – not to mention the people that you love, and deeply love you. Sure, it’s nice to travel, it’s nice to experience the wonder and joy of new places and exciting vistas, but it’s also so good to return to the place that you know like the back of your hand, and be welcomed by people to know you.
Just last night, as I took out our trash, I caught our neighbor doing the same thing. They quickly mentioned that they’d been up at their camp a lot this summer… but that they were looking forward to being back in church again soon! It warmed my heart to know that even though they were traveling, they looked forward to being together in worship. I always find it a bit awkward to tell people, “I miss you in worship” – I never want it to come off preachy, or for them to feel shame… but I shared with them the same thing I want each of you to know – when you’re away, you’re missed, and when you return – we’re so glad to see you and worship with you!
So, wherever you’ve been this summer – traveling far and wide or sitting in that same pew every Sunday – know that the God who created, called and loves you, is with you. And that whenever you gather with us – 10a for the next 2 weeks, or 8:30a & 11a beginning again on August 23 (the picnic) and beyond – we’re so glad to see you and worship with you! Our gathering together, in small and large groups like worship, is one of the best ways that we continue to grow!
Welcoming You to Grow in Jesus – every time we gather,
Pastor Don