I wrote this post about the time I went to church back in December 2011, when pretty much nobody knew this blog existed. Because it’s the school holidays and I’m flat out sitting on the couch eating chocolate entertaining the kids, which doesn’t leave a lot of time for blogging, I’ve recycled it for you. Enjoy…
So yesterday we went to church. I know. I’m just as shocked as you are. But it was a lovely service and if nothing else, sitting on a rock hard wooden pew for 2 solid hours gave me lots of thinking time….
When we sat down, Sophie, who has only been to church twice in her 6 years, looked at the pew in front of us and declared in a very loud voice, “Oh look Mummy, someone’s left their book behind.” That really made me think that it’s probably about time I taught my daughter how to whisper. Then I thought about the 2 bibles I have at home and that perhaps I should dust them off and show the kids what they’re all about. Then that thought reminded me of the story my mother loves to tell any old random, about the time she found me sitting in the garage ripping out pages of her family bible. When she asked me why I was doing it, apparently I replied “I love the feel of the paper.” It should be noted that I was 3 at the time. And I’ve always loved good quality stationery.
I’ve never met a Kikki K item I didn’t love
But back to the church service.
The priest running the show was a lovely bloke and when it came to the bit where he offered the congregation to come up to the altar for some bread and wine, I thought about how I could really do with a drink. Even though it was only 10 in the morning. Then I wondered if the priest ever snuck the odd swig of that red vino when nobody was around. I’m guessing not. You know, with god always watching and all.
Once we had belted out the 10th hymn for the morning, I wondered to myself if those hymns were available on iTunes. Hubby must have been thinking the same thing, for not long after my random itunes thought, he turned to me and said “We could totally make an app for all these songs. We could call it iHymn”
Then I wondered if it was appropriate to send a text message while at church. Or take an instagram photo of the ‘book’ that was left behind. Or check if I had any facebook messages. Then I thought I should take a good hard look at myself and be a bit more respectful and stop thinking about stupid things, when I should in fact be praying. But by then the prayer had finished and it was time to stand up for another bloody hymn.
And finally, when we watched the Baptism take place, which is why we were at church in the first place, I thought about how we’re so blessed to have such lovely friends and to be a part of their lives. Then I thought about how babies bring more love, hope and happiness to those around them than anything or anyone else I know.
Then I said the Lords Prayer, belted out yet another hymn, introduced myself to some lovely members of the congregation, threw a bit of cash in the collection plate, did a bit of hardcore praying and thought to myself that this church caper wasn’t so bad after all. There was a lot of love in that room and it wasn’t coming just from God.
Then the service was over, so we exited the church and thanked the priest for allowing us to be a part of his congregation, to which he replied, “It was lovely having you. Please come back anytime.” And I thought to myself that I might just do that.
Then we left and headed for the celebratory morning tea. Which was beautifully presented. And that made me think that I have one very clever friend.
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