Often when my children have to get ready to leave our parents’ homes when they are playing with their cousins…or when we show up to get them after a sleep-over…they never seem to want to leave. It is after all the greatest place on earth.  They don’t want the fun to ever.end.  A question their grandparents often ask them is Well…do you want to come back?  The answer is always a resounding YES!  They chuckle in their reply saying, If you want to come back then you have to leave first!  

There is just something so special to me about Sunday morning.  Coming to the house of the Lord…in whatever state I’m in…is vital to me.  God is there so vividly and He meets me wherever I am….in plenty or in want, in good and in bad, in heartbreak and heart bursting with gratitude and everywhere in between…or even all at the same time.  I am so thankful for God’s unique and powerful presence each and every Lord’s day and the opportunity we have to gather together and praise His Name.

This morning was the first time since my most recent surgery that I have been able to sing with the praise team.  I am so grateful that I am feeling well enough to be able to help facilitate worship.  An extra special treat was that I got to sing with my dear friend, Annie!  She was the one who encouraged me years ago to step out in faith and let go of my fears to audition.  This morning we finally praised the Lord together and it was wonderful.  

In those moments assembled together in God’s presence as the body of Christ, I feel the exact same way my children do about leaving Grandpa and Grandma’s house.  I just don’t want it to ever.end.  Someday when we meet Jesus face-to-face, isn’t it glorious to know that we won’t ever have to leave!?  As we sang this morning…ten thousand years and then forevermore!!!  

I will sing and make music to the Lord.  Psalm 27:6