A few months ago, a friend asked me why I no longer went to church. For the last 30+ years, my Sunday mornings were spent at church. Attending, participating, speaking, teaching Sunday School. You name it and I did it. It was a choice I made because that was where I wanted to be. My church of choice was New Thought/metaphysical so there was no demand that I had to attend. This was where I received my infusion of spiritual energy for the coming week. I loved it.
Something happened though and I changed. No longer was I infused with the spiritual energy after attending church as I relished in the past. I started searching for something more.
I attended various New Thought Churches and enjoyed them. I "live-streamed" Agape International Spiritual Center with Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith and must admit my psyche was lifted. I meditated on Sundays for a longer period than my usual daily morning meditations. All of this was good; however, this morning I truly discovered why the church of my choice had radically changed.
As I sat in my sunroom with the windows wide open, I listened. I listened to the birds singing their songs of praise. No one was telling them what to sing. They just sang their hearts out. I watched as they flew from one branch to another. Some were building nests for their soon-to-be families. As I moved to my deck with my trusty companion Rasha, I felt the warmth of the sun on my face and the gentle breeze moving past me. The seeds I had planted a week or so ago were sprouting. Flowers were beginning to bloom. I saw the first rose of this season blooming amidst the thorns of the bush. Life was happening in all God's glory. No one was telling any of these living things what to believe, who to love or not love. They were just going about their business. Granted this was one of those days that could only be described as a perfect spring day, but I finally got it.
I do not need a church or church atmosphere to feel the Presence of God. I do not need someone telling me what the Bible says or does not say (or any holy book for that matter). I am divinely connected to the source and when I get quiet and truly listen with my heart, I know at the deepest level possible what is Good and Godly.
So this is why I only grace the inside of a church or church service occasionally. For those of you who go to church, I truly hope it is because you are infused with the Love of God in that holy place.
Peace and blessings,
Mareda
