Tuesday, September 1, 2020
What We Miss About Church: Congregant Reflections
For our devotionals this month, we asked various congregants what they miss the most about being together. Join us for this series of reflections that remind us of what we miss and who we are called to be.
We hope you enjoyed the Congregant devotionals in August. As a special bonus, with this submission from Christine Kho watch this video she created, sharing her first months with new daughter, Ellie, whose birth we just announced to you in March.
Scripture for the Day
Psalm 139:13-14
For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.
Instead of writing what I miss, I want to write what might have been. Ellie is a little over four months now. I miss what could have been. Ellie was born at the start of the pandemic so our timer of how long we’ve been staying at home is easy to track.
I miss that Ellie hasn’t been passed from friendly face to friendly face allowing others to get in the newborn cuddles. (There’s also the relief of having someone else entertain her for a bit!) I’m constantly reminded when I hold her that I’m in the presence of someone innocent, without sin. Knowing that at this time in her life she cannot do anything wrong as all she wants is food, sleep, a diaper change, and a hug. When will our lives ever be so purely simplistic?
I miss that she hasn’t been able to see other kids playing together, or even getting to interact with other kids even if it’s just a glance. I miss her sharing her smiles with those at church and getting to see faces other than ours.
I’m missing out on the heartbreak (or maybe it’s a sigh of relief, since work could sometimes be easier) that parents experience when they drop their child off at daycare and head back to work. But that’s a blessing, this pandemic has been a blessing. (Has anyone thought that?) I get to see my daughter grow each day. I get to experience her discover new things she can do. Sure, it’s difficult to attend to her needs while working, but I wouldn’t trade these moments for anything in the world.
Brian and I have adjusted to the new challenge of becoming parents with help from our village. Our village who prays, sees Ellie from the balcony, keeps me sane with messages, and enjoys the photos of her with us. Thanks for being our village.
