God’s Presence in my life.

Last Sunday I went to church for the first time in a year and a half.

As soon as I walked through those doors, my mind was flooded with 18 years of memories from my life which were housed within those church walls. This church is where I initially gained my voice and began speaking in front of others. It is the first place where I was a part of something greater than myself, and it taught me to place my trust in the hands of another.

My church (as well as the people in it) and I have a very interesting, beautiful relationship. I could go over a year without attending (which I did unfortunately), but the moment I return, it is as though I had never left at all. In fact, I feel as though this applies to my connection with God and Christianity as a whole. No matter where I go in life, even if I do not actively seek him out by going to church, God’s presence in my life is made known to me through others who show me kindness and compassion.

My faith has always been a part of my life which has provided me with comfort during rough times, and the trials and tribulations which I’ve faced in this past year have been no exception. They always say that you do not have to be present in a church for God to hear you, but it sure does make it a lot easier for you to hear God. Throughout this duration which the church was absent from my life, I learned to search for God’s hand in other aspects of my life. During the first major quarantine last year, I began to open my eyes to the serenity which is present in nature, being able to fully appreciate God’s contribution towards everything I see.

I see God in my parents and the sacrifices they make for my happiness. I see God in my best friends that remind me every day through words and actions how loved I truly am. I see God in my past as I sift through old pictures of memories ive made and places I’ve been. I see him in the present as I take in every last second of each incredible moment which I have on this Earth, and in my future as I prepare for a new chapter of my life.

No matter what religion you practice, or if you even practice one at all, I am confident that everyone can agree upon the fact that one takes comfort in a group of people that are present at the same time for a shared purpose. The congregation at my church has watched me grow up for my entire life. It provided me with the solid, unwavering foundation which I will continue to build upon as my relationship with Jesus changes over my lifetime.

I can’t help but notice how things are coming full circle. I was brought up in the church from as early as I can remember, and now here I am, a young woman about to begin college and embark on my newest adventure which God has specially planned just for me.

Although being apart from others was rather depressing, as I reflect upon those unique 3 months, I am able to value moments such as last sunday. However, if this past year taught me anything, it is that going to church is not the deciding factor that labels you a true Christian. My faith did not cease to exist during COVID, it was simply put to the test to see how well I could stay true to my faith on my own… but the beauty in all of this is that I was never alone, as God has walked beside me in all of the grief and frustration which I have experienced in my hiatus from the church.

Thank you for reading :)

Ava Jean