After all my ranting and raving from last week, I thought I should report on the Sunday just past, a particularly excellent Sunday, and one which was far more uplifting.
Our local congregation had Stake Conference. For most that means getting together with other congregations for 2 hours of lectures from the higher up and much direction. For my family and I, it comes down to two words... "DAY OFF!!!" Seriously, my kids generally don't last past 10 minutes in the main meeting, so 2 hours, just won't happen - they're not bad kids, it's just that even I have trouble being there.
So, with a day off planned, I slept in a little and then headed out. My 4 year old daughter joined me, and we hit Smiths and Walmart. On the shopping list was chocolate, cream, hamburger, fresh Rosemary, Ancho chili power and a few other ingredients.
We returned home, and I got about the business of preparing lunch, which the kids waited eagerly for our guests.
My brother and his recent fiance arrived as I finished preparations, and they were met by some very exuberant and excited kids. My kids absolutely love my brother and his intended. Shortly after that I fired up the grills and as the kids played on the tramp with our guests I cooked lunch. Lunch was courtesy of Men's Health. An article and collection of recipes targeted at cooking on the grill and generally following the Spanish course of eating, although we stole the main course from the Italian collection.
Appetizer
Grilled Prosciutto wrapped Asparagus
Main Course
Grilled Skewered Meatballs
String Beans with Grilled Tomato/Almond Dressing
Dessert
Grilled Peaches with Ganache
All told, it was a fantastic meal, although my kids managed to eat all of the meatballs, meaning my lunch for work was reduced to PB & J sandwiches the next day.
We finished dinner, watched a Jeff Dunham special on TV, talked, played, and above all, enjoyed the remainder of the day.
This is what Sundays are supposed to be about. Family, relaxation and a chance to renew.
I for one feel incredibly renewed.
"This is what Sundays are supposed to be about. Family, relaxation and a chance to renew."
ReplyDeleteWell, maybe it's obvious, but it seems to me that you've answered your own question about what to do. After all, it's only until we're 18 that we have to go to church - or school, or whatever - because someone else tells us to. After that, it's all about what's right for us, no? If getting the equivalent of a snow day from church makes you so happy, why go at all?
It's completely obvious... Just 2 small issues I need to deal with.
ReplyDelete#1 is an addiction factor. I think I'm pretty much over it, but still get cravings as it were from time to time. I think religion, specifically the ones that require a strong commitment, can and do create chemical changes in the brain, and these, like any mind altering drugs cause problems when you try and get off them. That said, I think this one is almost a non-issue with me.
#2 is my sweet wife. If anything happened to her, I suspect that my attendance in religious meetings would be reduced to nothing. Although I would like to visit with different congregations on occasion, just to get different perspectives. My wife feels similarly to the way I do, but for her to give it up, has major implications amongst family and friends and I don't think she's ready for that yet... We'll see with time though.
My decision to go now, is pretty much just to support her. I skipped most of the meetings yesterday, and it actually turned out to be a pretty decent day. I just need to resist the temptation to attend the men's meeting ever again - but after the events of 2 weeks ago, I don't think my wife will be encouraging me to attend any more!