I bought a pew. For those of you that know me and my home furnishings, it will go nicely with my cross laden lectern that looks like it was taken from the basement of a midwest Lutheran church. I also have some crosses scattered throughout my house, and although I do not consider myself a religious person, there must be some draw for me to these artifacts.
My memories of church are mostly from spending summers with my Grandparents and attending their service. Church is a childhood memory, and not a bad one at that, but more of an activity than anything relating to God or religion.
I also used to pretend I was a preacher. I would set up a TV tray pulpit, wear my '79 peach leisure suit, and preach to my Great Grandmother Pinkerton, a woman often described as a Saint in our family. She had broken both her hips over the course of her lifetime and was confined to a makeshift lounge chair in the living room, but was always kind, patient, and loving.
I asked her "If God came down right now and asked you for your right arm, would you give it to him?" "Why yes, I believe I would." I was shocked at her answer! "You would? You'd really give up your right arm?" "Well, if he asked, I guess I'd have to." This was not an unthinking answer - it was a peaceful, faithful response. I was a punk trying to trip her up - I think I even asked her a third time, and the answer was an unwavering "yes."
Looking back, I thought that faith was something that happened later in life. To adults. I even answered a question in our marriage and family class in High School: "Why do you think married couples go to church?" I raised my hand and seriously said "Well, the fun's over, it's time to settle down." This got a lot of laughs - but I was serious. I didn't question my response or feelings about faith (or marriage for that matter) - they were fact as far as I was concerned.
Sometimes I will just sit in my pew. There is peace in this spot that is not present in other areas of the house. Perhaps it is because I am taking a moment to be mindful of life. Perhaps I am taken back to my Grandparent's church and I can't help but feel nostalgic. Or perhaps, the fun is not over and I am simply blessed.
