Let's be clear that I am writing this post at 9:30 on a Sunday morning and I am totally blowing off church. Yes I am a sinner. A sinner raised by an atheist mother and a father who believes life after death is one long dirt nap.

Interestingly enough it was my non-believer father who inspired toady's post. Last night we had some family over (including folks from out-of-town) to celebrate my youngest son's birthday which was, as you moms all know, a circus. So after a long work week, a birthday extravaganza, and hosting overnight guests I realized there was no way this girl was getting her butt in gear in time to make it to church on Sunday. When I told my husband we could sleep in on Sunday, my father (bless his heathen heart) shouted out something to the effect of, you know, I'm going to hell (tell me something I don't already know, dad). He has such a fun-loving sense of humor, truly he does.

What he said struck me. Not for being mean-spirited but because it finally hit me that he thinks I go to church so I can get the "get-out-of-hell-free" pass the pastor hands to all faithful parishioners upon reaching our deathbed. When in fact nothing could be further from the truth.

I don't go to church so I can "check the church" box off on life's report card, or so I can impress my friends and neighbors, or (I know this will shock you) make my parents proud. In fact I'm pretty sure if Jesus came back today and saw some of the folks that go for just those reasons he'd throw up in his mouth a little bit.

I go to church so I don't lock my children in a kennel when they are acting like animals (CPS, I am just using this example for effect), or punch my husband in the nose when he frustrates me (I love you, baby), or tell my co-workers exactly what I think about them (except that one time I did and boy did that feel good). I go to church so I have perspective, inner peace, and the skill set to manage my way though my chaotic every day life.

And yet again I need to be clear, I am not advocating for you becoming a Christian. I am advocating for God as you know him/her/it - whatever form your higher power takes. My neighbors go to Quaker meetings. This involves sitting in silence for long periods of time being contemplative. I can only imagine the chaos that would break out at the Meeting House if I rolled in with my crew. One of my other friends is Hindu and has a prayer room in her house that she fashioned out of what had formerly been a linen closet. This concept is brilliant as you can go immediately to your time out place while your kids are pouting in theirs - you know before you beat them (again totally kidding, CPS). And how awesome is the concept of Friday night Shabbat? Every week in the Jewish religion there is a set aside time where you gather with your family to contemplate your life and spirituality. Of course for all my Jewish friends you know I am secretly jealous of your high holidays, in particular,Yom Kippur's break-fast and long to host it again at my house (promise I will get a full list of foods not to cook this time). Thank you Melissa Henry for forgiving me for having sausage last time. Oy vey!

So go get your God on! Whatever that means to you. I think you'll find yourself a lot better equipped to deal with this craziness we call being a working mom. And it totally cuts down on the wine bill. Amen!

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