***COVID has made me think of whether “watching church” is the same thing as “going to church”… or more to the point - “being the church.” It makes me think of someone who watches videos of their family once a week, but never actually sees their family… wouldn’t that be a tragedy?***
…
I watch a video of my family once a week…
… And you’re probably thinking: “You mean you video-chat with your family once a week, right?”
No. I mean I watch a video OF my family once a week.
… And you’re probably thinking: “Oh, they must live really far away or something?”
No. They are 5 minutes from me.
… And you’re probably thinking: “Then you also visit them sometimes too, right?”
Well, my Dad comes over regularly. But I don’t visit. Not unless I really need something - or one of my siblings really needs something. I guess I’m saying that if I visit them it’s got to be for a really good reason. I avoid large family gatherings at all costs.
… And you’re probably thinking: “Well, those must be some really awesome family videos then…”
No. Not really. They’re almost all the same. Exactly the same length. Kind of predictable, if I’m honest. My brother talks for a half-hour every time. There are better speakers on YouTube.
… And you’re probably thinking: “Doesn’t that get boring?”
Yes. For sure. But my couch is comfortable. And my PJ’s are comfortable. And seeing my family is just not comfortable.
… And you’re probably thinking: “Did your family do something that hurt you?”
No. I mean, I’ve been hurt - but nothing normal families don’t go through. My family’s not perfect.
… And you’re probably thinking: “Then is there something physically wrong with you?”
No. Well - I was afraid for a while that I’d get really sick. But I’m not afraid of that anymore.
… And you’re probably thinking: “So you just don’t like your family, then?”
No, no, no… I like them - really I do…
… And you’re probably thinking: “That must break your Father’s heart!”
… No. How?
…“Because the Head of your family had to die to adopt you into your family (Eph. 1:3-10). Because family unity means so much to Him (Ps. 133). Because one of His last prayers before He died was that you and your siblings would be completely united (Jn. 17:20-23). That’s what I’m thinking.”
