Assigned seats

Where do you sit at church?

Growing up -

we always sat about 10 rows up from the back,

entered the padded pew from the right side and

slid all the way over for our family of six.

A few rows in front of us was another family of four.

Another family of four entered the 11th pew

from the left side. 

If I wondered if someone was there that Sunday,

I knew exactly where to look -

everyone had their unspoken assigned seats. 

Which kinda took us by surprise if there was a visitor 

who didn't know that seat was taken...

what is one to do?

Thinking of these memories are sweet and funny 

 yet make me think.

Do I live my life like that?

Am I doing the same thing day in and day out.

Do I stretch myself to reach out?

Am I comfortable with my little life?

What do I do when something unexpected happens and my world is rocked?

Who am I trusting in?

Is it comfort of the American life 

or 

is my trust truly in my God?

I was reading the story of Jonah and the Big Fish 

to my little kids the other night.

The kids wondered why I began to cry.

I had to explain to them that mommy doesn't always do what 

I know God is asking me to do. 

And that I shouldn't be afraid of what God has for me -

but should cling to HIM to carry me through. 

Our church meets in an elementary school -

we sit on very uncomfortable, loud metal folding chairs.

Many people complain about these seats,

but I love them! 

It is good to be uncomfortable! 

It is good to not know what might happen tomorrow -

but I do know who holds tomorrow,

who holds the future! 

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, 

plans to prosper you and not to harm you, 
plans to give you hope and a future. 
Jeremiah 29:11