Give It Time

March 11, 2023

Some activities I recognize as valuable immediately. Others have taken a while to appreciate.

Nine years ago, as the new pastor at church, I was trying to meet all the members on my church roll. One fellow I could never seem to catch at home. “You can always find him playing horseshoes on Monday night in Perry,” somebody told me. They were right! To make a long story short, I discovered I also loved playing horseshoes. After a few weeks, I also was a regular every week. My skill has increased over time, and I’ve made new friends.

Other things take time to see the benefit. I’ve always tried to get regular exercise. At times it seemed to get in the way of getting important things finished, but I persisted. I realize now, as much as I love to eat, I would likely be fighting multiple health issues now if I hadn’t pursued some kind of exercise over the years.

Several decades ago I got the crazy impulse to read through the entire Bible. It’s a thick book! Maybe I was just curious, maybe I was nudged by God. I’m not sure. It did me good to experience how it all fits together, and I discovered guidance I didn’t know was in the book. I’m reading through for the twentieth time this year. It continues to reshape my life for the better.

I don’t know if I can explain in a few words why attending church is important. After all, people want you to get to the point nowadays. Worshiping together with the same people every Sunday is a lot different than praying a few minutes at home. The hymns sung by a hodge-podge of attenders seems like a community reaching out to God. Hearing a sermon talking about a small piece of the Bible makes me see God a little better. I’d recommend you make church attendance an essential part of your life. Eventually you’ll realize it’s something you really need.

Exodus 20:8, “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.”