In Good Company

As usual for us this Sunday morning, I got the kids (and myself) out the door by 9:05am to head to church. We even had time to Skype with B for a few minutes - to show him D's adorable big boy outfit and C's fun new spring dress...and of course to get a few compliments on my own appearance (who says fishing for compliments from one's own husband is wrong?).

I felt so good heading to church because we weren't rushed this morning. It's amazing how much calmer the drive can be when all is going just as planned! We left with time to spare and arrived with time to spare. After getting both kids settled into their respective Sunday School/nursery classes, I walked towards the sanctuary hoping maybe I'd see one of my friends from MOPS so I could at least have some brief adult conversation before the service began. I spotted one! Sitting with her hubby of course, but I figured I'd slide in the pew in front of her and turn around and visit for a few brief moments. I love to chat...even if just for a few minutes :-)

Low and behold, when I went to sit down, I ended up scooting in right next to a MOPS friend whose husband is deployed as well! Ahhh, now we're talking good company! Loved chatting with her for a few minutes. Our children are very close in age and she lives in my neighborhood. I'm always up for talking with someone who knows EXACTLY what I am going through! Then as if that we're great enough, in slid another MOPS mom of a deployed spouse. She brought with her her sweet baby girl whose coos and chuckles through the service touched my heart and brought a smile to my face.

This may not mean much to you as you are reading it, but let me just tell you, worshipping alongside my fellow sisters in Christ who are doing just what I am doing was one of the best feelings I've had in a long time. Sure there were couples of husband and wife duos all around the three of us, and normally seeing everyone else in pairs makes me miss B even more, but today, I felt "strength in numbers" strong. Put on the Armor of Christ strong. Soar on wings of eagles strong.

Though one may be overpowered,

two can defend themselves.

A cord of three stands is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:12

As the service went on, we learned about The Weight of the Cross in preparation for Easter just a few weeks away. A large wooden cross stood at the front of the sanctuary and our pastor asked that as the service went on, individuals come down to hold it up. At any given moment there were 5-8 people bearing the weight of that big cross. At first it seemed that the men of the church would be the primary cross bearers, but as the service went on, I watched as teenagers, moms, dads, older men and older women, and even children went up to support its weight. I went up at some point briefly and was surprised how rough and heavy it was. Christ was and still is just so incredibly good to me - and to us. What He did for us can so often be overlooked or overshadowed by our daily trials and struggles, but I know when I truly take the time to dwell and meditate on His sacrifice, I am in awe of His unfailing love. That cross was big and it was heavy and rough to the touch, but He carried it for me. Praise Jesus...King of Kings!