wherein we go out on a whim and get a blessing

fragrant, lovely, petite laurel flowers

Sunday morning, walking home from Mom and Dad's, it occurred to me that we could do something a little different that morning.

I approached Pat with the idea; he was agreeable. We went to a different church. We have been to this church three times before; if it weren't a forty-five minute drive, this would be where we would attend.

So, we only go there once in a great while. And always come away blessed, challenged and inspired.

We have come to enjoy a rather leisurely Sunday morning these days. No little ones to get ready. Only a five minute drive to our local church. I checked the website to see what times the services were. 9:00 and 10:40. Could we make it to the 9:00? Seeing as it was 7:45 and we would need to leave in a half hour? And not showered yet? We decided to go for it. Leisure went out the window as rushing around ensued . We arrived right on time.

We sat at the end of the row with some empty chairs between us and the next folks. As the service progressed a young couple sat in the empty seats. After the singing time was over the Pastor encouraged us to greet those around us. I turned to the young man on my right to shake his hand and noticed that he had on a forest green polo shirt with a Green Bay Packer "G" on it.

Yes, he was from Wisconsin. We waited until the end of the service to get all the details though.

We had a wonderful conversation with him. They have lived down here ten years. He asked how we were adjusting - knowing that TN is different from WI. We were reminded of this difference again yesterday when we found some (as in more than one) black widow spiders in our rock wall. Pat promptly dispatched them.

He and his wife have two boys, Noah and Eli(jah) - good strong Old Testament names. Kinda like Nathan, Jonathan and Daniel. And they are just beginning to home school, though he said his wife is approaching this with fear and trepidation. She joined us shortly and I was able to encourage her and promise support in her endeavors. She has my phone number and email now and asked if I would be willing to speak to their home school coop group. Would I? You betcha!

It was a wonderful conversation. We were blessed and I think we were able to be a blessing. The sermon was just what we needed to hear. The music inspired. I am so thankful that Still Small Voice prompted us to go to that church at that particular service on that particular Sunday.

I do not recommend playing hooky from your regular church. Every church needs committed, involved members and attenders. But if you feel the Spirit prompting you, follow His leading.

(BTW, I do not think St. Mattress or Bedside Baptist count as places you should consider as an alternative to your own home church.)