Yesterday, during the communion liturgy, Lexi leaned over to me and said, “I feel the most homesick during church.”
I had told a friend the exact same thing during my Birmingham visit. For me it is not the differences in hymn selection or preaching that make the biggest difference, but that feeling of looking around and realizing how few people I recognize, let alone know.
It is a hard thing to leave behind community, however imperfect. Even at five Lexi knew church as a place where she was known and loved, where she could run and play and be herself. Where her pastor would throw her up in the air moments after she received the benediction.
I hope she holds onto her fond memories, but makes room for new ones.
I understand. . . that’s the hardest thing for me right now, too.
Oh I totally felt like Lexi. I used to feel so so sad at church. Church was the place were I always felt the most like an outsider and like I did not belong where I had come, but now I feel better. It took a long time though (and switching churches for me).