Sunday Service for the first time in a decade.

It's been just about 10 years or so since I woke up before dawn and heard a calling to go to a Sunday service.
I had left my congregation and did not attend another for over a decade.

It really has been that long.

The feeling was good.

Despite the bitter cold- I walked while the freezing wind bit at my face.

But my heart was warm and full of excitement and wonder.
I did not know what was in store- I just knew I was to go.

It was a new destination- I have never been to the place I was heading towards.

The experience was quite interesting.

I did see several faces that I recognize from market shopping, the streets, the parks etc. But no one that I knew personally.

I was welcomed warmly when I arrived and many greeted me afterwards and several invited me to join them for a potluck.

I just smiled and said thank you. I didn't feel like saying yes or no.
(But I was not going to eat, I knew that right away)

The bulletin asked for volunteers to help with a menial task, and I knew it would be something I could do. So my goal after the service was to find someone in charge to let know that I was willing to help before I left.

While some very kind and interesting people were helping me find the person in charge of the task, I was greeted by someone very surprised to see me.



Although I had no feeling of shock, surprise, or anything palpable- I just stood there and said hello. Probably with a slight smile on my face.

I was just calm.
My heart was beating at a normal pace.
My legs were planted firm and I felt tall.

This is a person who 10 years ago in another town far away, caused me a huge devastating heartache by doing something horrific.


I left that place where this person who stood before me had been attending- I lived for years with such anguish...Deep grief and intense anger and disgust. Never setting foot among another congregation with an intent to share a service.

How ironic to be called (in spirit) for the first time in so long- to a place where this person who did so much damage to my own spirit would be attending.

I do want to share that I feel peace.
I feel strong.
And I do know that I have completely forgiven this person.

I am not sure why I am posting this to my blog.
I certainly would not share these words out loud with my voice, but my fingers are typing away, and I feel that I just need to share this.

What makes me feel good- Being called. When it happens- That is the BEST invitation ever. Following through on the invitation is priceless.

Thank you to whomever it was that sent just the right prayer for me to be lifted, and encouraged.
To be freed from past hurts and wrongs.
I really appreciate it. It was a new prayer.


Now I sit here wondering how do I publish this post.
It feels so personal, so private.

I just will-