There's No Place Like Home!

Technically, I am on vacation! Last Tuesday marked the beginning of two weeks of holidays for us. I had been looking forward to it more than any other vacation, ever, I believe. For several reasons: 1. It has been a while since we had a two week block of time to do whatever we wanted. Even vacation can come with expectations and obligations (family one should see, work around the house and yard that should be done, etc) but this was going to be two weeks to go where we wanted and do what we wanted. 2. We were more weary than I ever remember being leading up to a vacation. Again, perhaps because last year's vacation got eaten up with family obligations during dufficult circumstances but also because this has been a busy Spring preparing for our daughter's wedding and deciding to paint through the entire house just a couple of weeks before the wedding! (Thanks to the many friends who helpded!)

However, our original plan to spend some leisurely days at the cottage - -walking, reading, resting, etc. then doing a short tour of Maine with my Mom, got altered somewhat and we find ourselves apart this first week. My husband flew to New York to be with his grandmother who will be 90 years old this September. How can you say no to one of the most influential women in your life?! I opted to stay at home to welcome the newlyweds back from the honeymoon and help get them moved to Sussex and into their first home - an adorable little duplex with character and charm. What a delight that was for me.

So, instead of being at the cottage this weekend I found myself here at home and wondering where I would go to church this morning. You see, since both my husband and I are pastors, going to church is also going to work! To attend your own church while on vacation is like going to shop at the store you work at. And yet, when I thought of going any where else, I just couldn't see how I would enjoy it any more than our own church. I was excited to see my friends, to participate in worship together with Steph and the Praise team, to hear Pastor Janel preach. And so, my daughter and I quietly slipped in just as the service was beginning. I didn't go early to help with set-up like I normally would. I didn't stay behind to help tear down. But I did worship and hear from God and visit with dear friends. I laughed with some and cried with others as we shared the details of our recent lives together. I could have gone to any church in the city or beyond, but truly there is no place like home.

I hope you have a church family that you enjoy being with each weekend. I'd love to hear about them. If you don't, I'd enjoy talking to you about that, too!