If you're reading this thinking I'll have advice on the matter, you should stop reading immediately. I have none. Church has been a constant source of guilt (and haha- yes, I am Catholic!) for me since my daughter was born in 2008. I know so many people with young children who attend church or temple services regularly and successfully, but I've just never been able to make it happen. Furthermore, I've barely even tried to make it happen, because the few times that we did attend church as a family (Christmas, Ash Wednesday, random ambitious Sunday) were so stressful that we've pretty much just nixed it entirely for four years now.
So.
Earlier this month on my birthday I made a promise to myself that I would really really commit to going to church. So far we are 3 for 3 Sundays, but here's the thing: each Sunday has been worst than the last.
I can't wait for next week!
They're not screaming or throwing things (yet), but they're chatty and squirmy and wiggly and just generally very uncooperative. Also, they seem to be growing increasingly bored and adventurous at the same time.
For example: "Wow, this kneeler thing-y isn't nearly as cool as it was last week, but maybe if we slam it up and down a few dozen times we can get the magic back."
Any advice out there? I'm not sure if God is telling me to stay in my pajamas and watch Meet the Press for a few more years, or if he's telling me I just need to work harder and be patient. I know this post is sounding a little gilb, but I am so sincerely grateful for the faith and spiritual life that my parents gave me. Looking back, it wasn't just "abracadabra, you have religion!" It was eighteen years of going to church. K-8 of Sunday school. First communion, Confession, Confirmation, Lent, that Easter mass where you have to stand for so long you feel like you are going to pass out.
Also, I want my kids to grow up with a belief in something bigger than themselves. Last Sunday's sermon was so so awesome (well, the parts that I could actually hear were awesome). The point was that we all need to start looking at the things we have in common with people of other religions and less at the things that make us different. I want my children to learn that lesson. And I want them to learn other lessons that I do not have the insight or eloquence to teach them.
Are we doing this right? Do I just keep going and sweating it out and hope that one day they get it? Or is my ambition to attend church regularly going to turn it into a negative broccoli-esque experience?
What do you do? Does your family attend church regularly? Do you have any advice on making it an easier and more positive experience? Did you do something together as a family in lieu of church while your kids were young? Do you have church/temple horror stories? Tell me!
Thanks friends,
Jen
PS. As I'm writing this the song "Fruitcakes" by Jimmy Buffett keeps playing in my head. Specifically the line, "Religion?!?! Ooooooohhh, there's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning!" And now the song is in your head, too! hah!!