Unexpected Sunday

It is Sunday morning, a time when I am usually surrounded by a community with shared beliefs and ideas, but today I find myself alone, by myself with time for self reflection.  After missing the bus to church this morning I was frustrated.  Frustrated with myself for taking that extra five minutes to grab a little more of precious shut-eye.  Frustrated that the whole house was gone.  Frustrated with being on crutches and not being able to simply walk to church.  

This frustration is the complete opposite emotion I want on a Sunday morning, but I could not stop it.  

Then something clicked.  The wise question of why? popped in my head and my heart.  Why was I frustrated?  Why am I stuck on something that is unchangeable?  Realizing my one dimensional thinking, I decided to embrace this unexpected Sunday morning.  

This morning I realized again my need for control, for routine in life.  Church is truly one of the biggest blessings in my life; the worship works on my heart in unfathomable ways and there is something special about hearing the Word of God proclaimed in the city of Madison.  Church is a necessary part of being a Christian and the community that comes with it is crucial.  But for me specifically, I get stuck in the routine of church.  I view church as a community in which you have to go to experience.  This idea right there, the routine and the desire to attend a church in a building is fundamentally wrong.  

Since when did Jesus teach us that church was held every Sunday morning in a building?  Since when can community worship and study the Word only during one specific time?  

Sitting here seemingly alone, with no one home, I feel more connected to a community then I do many Sunday morning at church.  I am excited to dive into the Word with the knowledge that around the world, many are doing the same.  

I have gotten so caught up in the routine that I have forgotten the true definition of church.  I have forgotten the large number of believers who have no chance to develop a routine because of persecution and lack of a "church" to meet in.  

I pray that I continue to see church outside of a building.  That I worship God everywhere, that I praise Him in my actions and in my life.  I pray to lose that sense of routine and revel in the power of meeting Sunday mornings.  I praise You for this unexpected Sunday.