finding the beauty in the storm

I've not been a regular church attender for a couple of years, due mostly to hearing issues, then falling to laziness. Along the way, however, my communication with God, has been profound. I find Him every minute of the day, looking over my shoulder, pinging me when I'm weak, encouraging me when I'm faithful. He never wavers.

This recent discrimination by elected officials against church attendance has been interesting to watch. I'll let you have your opinions, pro or con, that's not my point of this essay.

The beauty I've found has been in Zoom, and YouTube, I can now go to church wherever i desire, or not at all. A plethora of services have opened online, and the choices of style, wisdom, teaching, and foundational exposition has been fun, enjoyable, on my dime, and in my time. I'm liking it.

I do miss seeing my church family, but even there, after a two year absence, I'm reconnected with old and new family. I'm smiling.

I'm getting fed, which is the single purpose of the Christian "church", to awaken, prepare, and make disciples. I have no idea what other religions serve up in church, and really don't care. The purpose of "church", to me, is to loosen, not bind. I'm loose, and four walls are not essential to my faith.

That being said, I am strongly opposed to elected officials determined to define "essential". That's not their job, or their privilege, and, in this case, is a direct infringement on the First Amendment.

I've found beauty and spiritual feeding in the absence of four walls, but that's me. You may be otherwise inclined, seeking the freedom to "run and hug" in a church building, and I say, "Go for it!" , contact your elected officials individually, and make your voice heard. They might actually listen to a ground swell.

Reading "The Pursuit of God", by A.W. Tozer, has been refreshing and beautifully enlightening.

Look, seek, blend, bend, hearken your ear to truth and wisdom, found all over the planet.
Get loose, and seek beauty.

God loves you. I love you.