Hills & Valleys: Our Faith Journey

I miss you. I miss holding your hand on the way to church. I miss rambling your ear off at random moments in the day. I miss waking up to your handsome face on the pillow beside me. I miss you stealing the blankets. I miss being in your arms - the ultimate feeling of "home". I miss the way you rub my shoulders when you're standing by me. I miss you leaving our closet door open. I miss doing your laundry. I miss the buzz of your phone alarm going off in the morning. It's crazy how much I miss you, and it's only been 4 days. I don't know how I will make it through the next 361 days. But I do know this: I am so proud of you, love. I'll be waiting for you - no matter what.

It's something I don't quite know how to explain. Yet somehow, each week, I feel the same way.  Saturday comes and goes...but it is not just a day to me any more. It is a day of worship - worship so very different from what I have ever known, worship that transcends lyrics or tunes or atmosphere. I walk in, and I am empty. I am tired. I am broken. I am wondering  if I can make it through the coming week - 7 days that feel too big and overwhelming for me to handle. I am wondering whether my daughter will be "that" child that will disrupt the service. But, I am   here. I breathe in and take my seat. While I sit I am overwhelmed by how great God is - not because of anything said by any one person, but because of how evident He is in their joy, their manner. And as I sit, I can't help but think that this is the way it is supposed to be. Sanctuary. Peace. Joy. Conviction. Worship. All of these I find here, in this special place. I walk in the door and I am w...