Such Contrast
Image by Jeanette's Ozpix via Flickr
Hubby and I once again, the 2nd year in a row, were separated on Resurrection Sunday. It is hard to be apart but especially on days when you are used to worshiping together. Here in Alaska the children and I went to church as usual. We had a church-wide Easter potluck breakfast. I woke with a migraine. I had even considered skipping church because of it but decided that we really needed to go. Since we were having breakfast at church and we were racing the clock, I didn’t eat. I did however take medicine to attempt to ease the pain in my head. We arrived at church 5 minutes late but nothing had started yet so that was good. I was however seeing double by time we arrived. I was weak and unsteady on my feet. First trimester pregnancy, no food, and medication on an empty stomach, plus a killer migraine do not make one function very well. After eating I felt much better and was only left with the headache.
We had a wonderful service. I love singing the praises of my risen Lord! We had a muted trumpet that morning which just added more of a majestic tone to our worship that morning. I sang, looked at the beautiful mountains out the windows, soaked in the sunlight shining in on me, listened to the Word of the God being proclaimed, and rested in the love of the Lord. It was a glorious morning. God is soooo good. I was even blessed that there were NO Easter lillies!!!! Thank you Lord! I am allergic to them and that would have just intensified my headache.
By time I arrived home my headache was raging again. I didn’t even cook a dinner. I hit the bed for several hours but found it hard to even sleep through the pain. FINALLY, I gave in. I took some ibuprophen. Tylenol just does not work at all for me. My headache eased a bit and I was able to focus and enjoy the call from my hubby. Thank you again Lord.
Sadly, there was much contrast between our worship service and the one hubby attended. His worship service was not a good one. In a manner of speaking, he worshiped alone that morning. He did go to a chapel service but worshiping was not on the agenda that day. He actually had the pastor tell the congregation to put their bibles away. He turned his back to the congregation to “get into character” and then turned around and proceeded to give a monologue from the perspective of Thomas. Hubby said he thought the reason he must have told everyone to put their bibles away was because almost everything the pastor said was made up and not anywhere in the scriptures. He also was able to watch another pastor’s (in attendance) son run around on the stage just prior to the service undisciplined and obviously out of control.
I am thankful that even though hubby’s experience was anything but worshipful, respectful, or honoring to the Lord, he was still able to worship the Savior. Our worship is not dependent upon others. Even amidst the worst circumstances we can worship, praise, sing, study and read the Word, and pray.
I am thankful that even though we are thousands of miles apart I know that we worship the great God who holds us both in his hands. There is no better place to be. Yet, I look forward to the day when hubby is home and we can once again worship our Savior side by side.
Share with me about your Resurrection Sunday celebrations.
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Tags: Christianity, church, deployment, Easter, Family, Religion and Spirituality, Service of worship, worship Posted in Christianity, deployment, Family, worship
April 5th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Hi Kristine, Our Resurrection Sunday began with dh going to work. We had a good worship service with the Word shared, me leading choir in a few Resurrection songs, dd singing a solo, and all our (at home) children in service with me. Dd#2 has been staying with us for a week, so her and her 3 children were with us also. Then it was home to put the turkeys in the oven, then on to grandma’s (dh’s parents) for candy and toys – and donuts, then back home to get things set up for dinner here when dh got off work. All in-town relatives, except 3, plus a friend were here for dinner – 27 total. As soon as dinner was over dd#5 had to leave for worship practice for the evening service, and I followed shortly after, since I was singing evening solo. Left the remaining guests at home with dh and younger kids. 2 older dd’s cleaned up and did the dishes for us. Great – but busy – day!
MamaArcher
Twitter: MamaArcher
Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
@Lisa @ Me & My House, Sounds like a fun day, very busy, not very restful! I bet you fell into bed when you got home!
)
April 5th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
I thought I had all my ducks in a row so that Sunday morning would go more smoothly, but a few ducks still managed to fall out of line. We left for church 20 minutes late! We are never late to church and of all mornings to be late, this was not the one to be late to. We go to a large church with a very well known pastor & every year all services are packed with people who are doing their “yearly church thing”. We made it to church in time & actually managed to find seats for all of us together (major accomplishment!) The morning was wonderful & continued to remind us of the amazing love our God has for us by sending his Son to die. As the symphony played & the choir sang, I zoned it all out & focused my heart on the empty tomb. Tears couldn’t help but flow as I pictured myself knelt at the feet of my Savior allowing his grace to wash over me.
After church we spent the day at my husband’s parents house. It was great to be with family & relax.
.-= Dana @ A Little This~A Little That´s last blog ..She Speaks Conference =-.
April 5th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
It is wonderful that you can glorify god despite your illness and missing your man.
May god hift you up and strengthen you! (Hope the migraine has gone?)
.-= Ruby´s last blog ..The Seven Signs of Aging =-.
April 5th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
I feel bad that you were apart from your hubby this Easter. My hat’s off to you for having to juggle all the things a mom has to juggle and you doing it alone!! My hubby works long hours, many days he works for 16 hours and he will do that anywhere from 4-7 days a week and I think that’s tough. But at least I can be thankful and know he at least will be home. Take care and blessings to you and your family.
.-= tricia´s last blog ..Emma Recites the Pater Noster =-.
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April 18th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
I feel bad that you were apart from your hubby this Easter. My hat’s off to you for having to juggle all the things a mom has to juggle and you doing it alone!! My hubby works long hours, many days he works for 16 hours and he will do that anywhere from 4-7 days a week and I think that’s tough. But at least I can be thankful and know he at least will be home. Take care and blessings to you and your family.
.-= tricia´s last blog ..Emma Recites the Pater Noster =-.