When I was single and lived alone, I often spent Sunday mornings in bed. I would have a leisurely day, drinking coffee, going out for a doughnut, reading the paper. I’ll admit, I really miss those leisurely Sundays.

When I was growing up, my family was so Lutheran that October 31 was known as Reformation Day. Church first, to celebrate Martin Luther nailing those 95 Theses on the Wittenberg church door, and only then could we go trick-or-treating. I was raised in the church by my pastor father and teacher mother.

I never lost my faith on those church-less Sunday mornings, and now that I am married and have daughters, I attend church much more regularly. Ed and I sing in the choir, and I teach Sunday school. But when I look at some past posts, I have mostly written about my faith when I am remembering someone who has died. Losing someone you love is a time when you need faith the most. But I also want my faith to be living, uplifting, and active.

The Bible verse that we chose for Sunday school this year not only leads me in teaching children about faith, but it also leads me in my life: “Your word is a lantern to my feet and a light upon my path.” Psalm 119:105

When I don’t want to get out of bed on Sunday mornings, or when I’m cranky because we can never seem to get out the door on time and I haven’t had enough coffee, I need to remember this verse. Sometimes church seems more like a responsibility than a need. I do need worship; I need to be reminded of how my faith lifts me up, in good and bad times.

So if you’re wondering where I am this morning, it’s not lying in bed with the paper; I’ll be singing hymns and teaching the story of Jonah and the whale. I’ll also be sipping that cup of church coffee in a Styrofoam cup!