Sharing the good times

I love my new church.  I don't think I have ever said that in my life before.  You see, I was raised a Catholic - a very noble decision on the part of my parents, so I definitely do not fault them for their decision.  While attending mass did indeed provide me with some things in life - I have never been able to feel 100% comfortable with my being there.  Maybe it was that good old fashion Catholic guilt kicking in.  I never felt like I was being accepted.  Instead I felt judged and not worthy.  I'm not sure that was God's intention when he asked us to have fellowship together. 

This summer, Caleb's counselor recommended we check out this very hip church in town - Celebrate.  I was skeptical.  Who wouldn't be?  After all, church is church, right?  Wrong!  I was in love the second I walked in the door.

I won't go into all the gushy details, but I will tell you that I walk in and out of church now with my head held high knowing that I truly am accepted.  This weekend I got to share that with a very special friend.  Derek is a young man with disabilities who just moved to Sioux Falls.  I have been friends with Derek & his mom, Brenda, for a couple of years due to some connections with my previous job.  I was thrilled when they moved to Sioux Falls because I would get to spend more time with them.

I was able to introduce Derek to Celebrate.  He just glowed during the service.  He sang and danced right along with me.  He introduced himself to everyone and everyone greeted him just as joyously.  He was thrilled when we turned in the membership paperwork and asked me often throughout service if he really was a member. 

Sharing the good times can mean so many things.  Sharing that feeling of acceptance and happiness with Derek meant so much to me!