I’m so hungry!
by D.O.
They say you don’t know what you got til it’s gone (I believe it was Amy Grant, and later the Counting Crows). I think that’s true a lot of times, but not all of the time.
When I was in College Station, I was fully aware of what I had. I had more close friends than I could do justice, and I had a church family that probably loved me more than I loved them, and I loved them a whole stinkin‘ lot. Most, if not all of my readers fall into one or both of said categories, which makes me think you’ll take some interest in this post. If not, just scroll down to the bottom for the cutesy picture (but if you are going to read it, save the picture for the end, for that is how I’ve created this post to work… kinda like Chose Your Own Adventure books).
I realized in a very punch-in-the-face kind of way this morning, that I am so dang hungry for a community of believers that will let me do life with them. The thing I had in College Station: deeply honest friendships with people of all ages (literally zero to however old Bill Magee is), is not just a luxury in life but I truly believe it is a necessity. When I left College Station, there was no question in my mind as to what all I was leaving.
Which brings me to how my hunger punched me in the face this morning. This was my fifth week of visiting churches to find one that I can plug into with everything the Lord’s given me, and I realized that I hate this process. I really hate going to churches where you know nothing (other than what their websites say) about how this church runs. You don’t know the motives of the church leadership, or membership for that matter. You don’t know what the church places value on, or how they spend their money (same thing really). It doesn’t help that I’m one of the most critical people currently living, but really, I never thought this would be so hard (and I knew it would be hard).
Say all that to say that the Christian life is not an easy one, even when the necessary community of believers is physically present. When you are without that community… it’s not that tight. I hope you Living Hope readers realize how dang blessed you are to be a part of that beautiful body.
I don’t want you to leave this post feeling sorry for me or anything, I’m just letting the world (all ten readers) know where I’m at these days. I’m looking for a church and wishing that churches met every other day so I could speed up the seeking process. I guess if I drove by a church with a sign like this one, I’d probably start writing my tithe checks to them. Until then, the tithe pot keeps getting bigger… not big, just bigger.
Comments
First, know that I stand alongside Allen Duty on the belief that almost all church signs are good for nothing but a laugh, this one too, is a joke.
Second, having trouble posting comments? Try posting as “Other” instead of signing in as a blogger. Since I have beta, that’s how I have to post on yours, and I believe that is how you’ll have to post on mine… I’m real sorry. If it doesn’t work, let me know.
hmmm community: interestingly enough it is what i loved about my last two years at a&m, what i craved my three weeks at home this summer and what i have been blessed to have completely jumped into from the day i stepped foot in spain. keep pressing on d.o. because undoubtedly your community is out there waiting for you, it just might look a little different than your lhbc family. your gifts and talents are primed and ready to bless others and join in with them so get ready for the day when you find your new community! relish in this inbetween time though, it is a sweet (yet somewhat painful) time of growth and learning to allow the Lord to be your portion.
yeah, I miss you. Bethan and I are realizing some of the same things as we prepare to move. Thanks for the reminder of what we have been blessed with.
Brandon
Yes sir, sir d.o.
LH is like nothing I’ve ever experienced, and I love it incredibly.
I continually wonder where the Lord is going to stick me on the flip side of aggieland.
Miss seeing you on the Wehner bench. All is well back here in highschool.
Take care!
-Kevin
Hi there. I just stumbled across your blog and I can totally identify with this post. It really sucks to have to find a new church . . . the process does take a long time which seems so backwards since when you are new somewhere, that’s when you need the family of God (and to feel as though you belong) most.
And, it’s true, you never know what you are getting into. I’ve found that I find something that seems allright enough and then I plug in and then I really start to feel apart of things. . . yeah, you covered a lot areas in this post re church hunting . . . it will happen – it always does. God won’t let you be without a family of believers around you – He knows how vitally important it is.
Renee
love man, love.
i’m pretty sure joni mitchell said it before amy grant.