I went into a church today.
Well, two, technically. The first one was a little Catholic one with a school attached. You could hear the kids running about and yelling, and it made an interesting contrast, the quiet in the sanctuary to the vibrant life on the other side of the wall.
The second was the Episcopal Cathedral in Inverness. St. Andrew's, I believe. It's got a wonderful front for pictures. Tall, two front facing towers, and trees on either side. Inside is dimmish lightning, which shines off the wood carvings beautifully. That's not entirely why I went in.
I'm Episcopalian, or Anglican, depending on what part of the world you're in. Have been since I was little, and it's a big part of my life. I hadn't been in a church for services for close to three months, and I hadn't realized quite how much I missed it until I got in and had just missed the daily Eucharist. The good thing about priests? They're very patient and understanding when someone starts tearing up in front of them. It happens a lot.
I got a blessing, which always helps more than a part of me thinks it will, lit a couple candles for some folks who aren't doing so well (this also helps me more than I think it will) and ended up having a ponder about why church is important to me.
The answer in detail would probably be quite long, unless I had more time to think it out, but the shorter off the top of my head version?
If approached properly it can stop me navel gazing.
Also if approached properly, it can keep me thinking, and involved in the world with my mind on instead of passive.
The community I was raised in has encouraged my critical thinking and has become an extended family of sorts, which has done wonders for learning interpersonal patience and problem solving.
It's a global community, of a sort, of a basic kind. Arguments and all.
It's a salve for my soul, for things I didn't know hurt until the pain eases.
This is a really short, simplistic version, but it's what I got right now. I'm feeling a bit raw.
Give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and the wisdom to understand.
Shade and sweet water to you all.
