Western Vitality

I’m sitting here on a beautiful, quiet Sunday morning. A few dogs are barking down the street, and the sunrise looks like it’s about to put on a spectacular show. I love mornings like this. The sunrise is something I genuinely look forward to every day. In fact, sometimes the thought of watching it is what gets me out of bed! I didn’t work out this morning—decided to let my body rest a bit more than usual. Sundays are my day off, my day to spend with God and soak in the little things. My husband and I go to church every Sunday, and I do love it (most of the time). Sure, there are some meetings that can feel like a slog, and I don’t always feel the spirit, but that’s where today’s blog comes in.

Don’t let yourself become bitter toward religion, or toward those who choose to follow one. Religion has been around since the dawn of time, shaping history, fueling wars, guiding major decisions, and defining lives. Regardless of your personal experiences or how you feel about religion, you can’t deny its impact.

Now, back to my point about not always feeling the spirit. I’ve heard so many people say they don’t go to church because they don’t feel it there, but instead feel it more in a coffee shop or at a party, surrounded by people they care about. But here’s the thing: that’s not the reason we go to church. We don’t show up every Sunday with the promise of feeling the spirit wash over us. We go because God asked us to, and because there are blessings that come with taking His name upon us. Obedience to His will, not our own, is why we’re there. The blessings may come in ways we don’t expect.

And speaking of touchy topics, let’s dive into one. Don’t let someone else’s words rob you of God’s love. I’ve seen too many people leave their faith because someone said something offensive. And it’s heartbreaking. How sad is it that they miss out on all the blessings and peace that come from God’s presence because they let another person’s imperfections drive them away? Newsflash: we’re all human, and we all say dumb things now and then. Don’t let someone else’s mistake take away your connection to God.

Now, I’m not here to tell you how to live your life. If your path doesn’t align with what I’m saying, that’s okay. It’s your life, and you’re the one living it. I don’t think any less of anyone who isn’t religious, and honestly, most people who think they’re being judged by religious folks are often the ones judging in return. That kind of mindset helps no one.

The heart of what I’m trying to say is this: Don’t miss out on joy because you’re too focused on the noise of the world. Open your heart, even if just a little. If you’re not ready yet, that’s okay, but allow yourself to soften so God can start working His magic in your life.

Thanks for hanging out with me today. I hope we can talk about this face-to-face someday. Have an amazing day, my friend!