Last spring, in preparation for getting my son baptized, I started attending the Episcopal Church in my town. I'd driven by it hundreds of times since we'd moved into our house, but never went. Initially, I went to familiarize myself with the parish and parish community, as well as to convince my wife that going was a good thing. My mom, while never an overly religious person, suggested attending just as a way to get away from the bustle of daily life for a few hours, and to connect spiritually with yourself.
Since about June, I've been going to church on any Sunday when I'm not at practice or a tournament. I go to the 8 o'clock service..probably 25 people at maximum show up, and most are twenty or thirty years older than I. Despite lacking many personal connections with others in the parish or even being able to remember anyone's name, going to church has been great. It provides me with a chance to take a deep breathe, reflect on my life, my actions, and how blessed I am. It gives me an opportunity to connect with God, and to share such a connection with other people who come in search of their own inner peace.
In a time in my life with lots going on, church has provided a much needed rock in my weekly routine. I'm thankful that I started going again, and and glad that the church going experience has been a positive one for me. In all, it's been much less about the religious aspects of the experience....but more about the spiritual. It truly has helped me be more at peace with myself. If you could use some inner peace, I'd recommend seeking out a religious community. I'd expect that it'd be a nice change for the better.
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