Parrish Church of Christ Building

Sunday morning.  What thoughts come to  your mind when you hear those two words?  Do you think along the lines of Lionel Richie and breathe a sigh of easy?  Do you think like David and say, “I was glad when they said to me, let us go to the house of the Lord.” Or are you like the rest of us?  Do you rush to get cleaned up, have breakfast, iron clothes, gather Bibles, jump in the SUV, fight with children or spouse all the way to the church building as you continue putting on make-up and smoothing out hair?  Does your demeanor change appearance as you open the door in the church parking lot?  Do you sigh “relief” when you finally get to sit down in class?  If so, know that I and millions of others understand your pain.

Yesterday, Amy and I went through our routines; ironing Sunday clothes, making the bed from the night before, make-up (Amy), shaving (me), and grabbing what is available for breakfast.  While Amy continued to get ready, I woke Andrew telling him to bring me anything he needs ironed.  After ironing his shirt and returning it to his door, I tell him to clean-up and get dressed.  I go make a pot of coffee, look over class and sermon material, and eat breakfast.  Amy comes in (having had breakfast before I got up) and asks if Andrew is up.  I glance at the clock and notice it is 25 minutes past the hour. I go beat on his door.

“Andrew!  Are you ready yet?”

“Almost . . .” he sleepily says.

Five minutes later Amy and I are discussing how slow he is today compared to when he wants to go bike riding, to a movie, out with friends, etc.  Time is closing in on us, we like to be at the building by 15 minutes before 9:00 at the latest.  “Andrew, how much longer?”

“About five minutes?”  I put together a breakfast he can eat in the car.  Over five minutes pass.

“Andrew, we need to walk out the door!  What is taking so long?”

“I did not know we had to be there before 8:00 this morning?”  he retorted.

“Andrew,”  I started to explain, “we like to get there before 9:00 and it is already . . .” I glanced down at my watch . . .”after . . .”  Oops!  It was only 7:35.  The alarm clock in the Master Bedroom was an hour fast.  We apologized, Amy hugged him and told him we were sorry.”  We all laughed – eventually.

But we learned somethings:

1. Getting up earlier on Sunday helps make for a better day overall.
2. When we make mistakes as parents admit them and apologize.

What suggestions do you have to make getting ready for Sunday worship?

Share in the comment below.

– Scott