There are many things I miss about the church family I left behind in Michigan.
I miss my kids running off to class on there own excited to see their teachers and friends. I miss hearing their teachers tell me about how one of them prayed in class or answered a certain question. I miss the discussion and insight given by Brian and Jim in Sunday School and the fun of Brad's class. I miss being impressed by Brad's knowledge of Church History. I miss the sharing of prayer requests and the feeling of deep caring that could be felt as everyone shared what was on their hearts. I miss singing the new As The Deer, Awesome God, Light the Fire, and Magnificant. I miss my littlest bouncing to the pew behind us to visit with the Allens and the attention and love they gave to her. I miss the goofy things Mike sometimes said and how he made everyone feel welcome. I really miss Hearing Brian and Brad and sometimes even Craig preach interesting and meaningful sermons. I miss visiting with Lisa and Debbie or Katrina or Sue or so many others before and after services.
I miss our small group. I miss how well the kids played and how well they got along. I miss seeing the projects they did or hearing the stories of what they played. I miss seeing and hearing first hand what the Spencer girls were learning in school and being amazed. (Thanks, the blog helps.) I miss the banter between Clint and Jaime. I miss eating and sharing and bouncing ideas off each other. I miss staying too long and rushing to get kids to bed.
I miss Wednesday nights. I miss the amazing things the PEAK team put together and being sad that I didn't get to participate in them because I was teaching. I miss teaching. I know I didn't have a fabulous lesson planned each week but I miss the satisfaction and pride when I knew I had a good one. I miss seeing Mary in class each week, sharing my week with her and knowing she would listen and give me wise council. I miss Connie's wit giving me reason to chuckle. I miss the occasional words of encouragement from parents or grandparents telling me I was doing a good job or that their child enjoyed my class.
For nearly 10 years I was in that building twice a month during the school year for MOPS. I miss chit chatting with Tiffany for a few minutes before going down to the meetings. I miss seeing Brad or Craig in the hall and having them interact with my little one(s). I miss the comfort of feeling like I belonged there and eating a breakfast without someone asking if they could have part of it.
I miss the many woman who had become my mentors and friends. I miss going in to church and seeing the faces of people who I knew cared about me and my family.
We spent many weeks and months talking about what a church is and should be. Talking about community. I miss the community of the Bristol Road Church of Christ.
