the pattern of sunday

here's the thing about sunday -- it's a front. sure, we aspire to inspire children's faith and grow their relationship with jesus. but, sometimes i feel like that's just a front. like, there's more behind the pattern, the regularity, the familiarity of sunday. 

maybe our real purpose for gathering families together every sunday is for the sake of noticing a change in pattern. because when you do something every sunday you notice patterns: who's missing, who's looking strong, who had a rough night of sleep, who's bringing her boyfriend, who's holding a new baby, who's looking lonely, who has a skip in his step.

it's the every-sunday nature of church that gives us notice when the pattern has changed. 

and, when you notice the pattern has changed, it gives opportunity. to ask a question, offer a prayer, give a hug, set up a meal, introduce him to her, and to look each other in the eye in order to lovingly communicate and remind -- "you're noticed, you're seen." 

i'm a broken record lately, {especially to the lovely MP} chattering on-and-on that sundays are a privilege, a special time for us to connect and notice and intervene. because i'm finding that when we notice a change in pattern on sundays it leads to something: a follow up conversation, a chance to provide for a need, an opportunity to dig deeper and offer care and love and support.

maybe, that's the real purpose of sunday.

practically speaking, to really be effective in caring for others and noticing their patterns, you've got to be effective in noticing your own patterns. take stock: how do i typically feel while leading on sundays? for me, maintaing a peaceful mindset is the key to success; not consumed, not over-run, not distracted by the details or stresses as they arise. i'm experimenting with these prayers throughout the week, and specifically using the prayers when we first arrive on sunday mornings. there's something about setting a peaceful tone for your body right from the start. 

also, something new for me -- i'm trying to set aside my own needs to be noticed on sunday mornings. {this is not easy. all of my insecurities cry out for validation on sundays.} would i love for every staff and volunteer to ask how i am and notice changes in my patterns, YES! but, for now, for me, that's not the purpose of sundays. when i'm consumed with how my own needs are/aren't being met, i'm less likely, less able to come outside of myself and see others. i want to notice others authentically, honestly. and for the the care i offer in return to be genuine, pure. 

today, especially, i'm grateful to be part of the every-sunday rhythm. there's beauty, mystery, and love, and faith in the pattern of sunday. God, grant me bigger eyes to see and greater love to act.