Real estate agents like to say the three most important factors when buying or selling a home are location, location and location. The same can be true for many faithful church attenders.
These faithful souls have found their favorite spot in the pews (or chairs) and will return to that specific place each and every Sunday. They will be surrounded by like-minded folks who, together, will form a sort of miniature church community and fellowship. It’s comfortable there. Familiar. Consistent.
There’s nothing wrong with that. For years it was no different for my wife, Sharon, and me. We had found our happy place up in the balcony, weekly surveying the proceedings from on high with the usual gang of fellow worshippers around us. It was our spot, our place, our routine — maybe a little too routine.
‘Winds of change’
The winds of change began to blow — quite literally — from the AC system. As I have gotten older, I’ve become more sensitive to cold, and it just felt to me like that balcony was approaching arctic temperatures. I could feel the breeze from the air vents. My nose would start to run and my throat would thicken. Sharon, who never seems to age, seemed oblivious to this, so when I approached her about moving downstairs where it’s a tad warmer, she resisted the idea.
As all loving couples do (well, sometimes anyway), we reached a compromise. Now we take turns deciding where to sit. I always choose the main floor; she sticks with the balcony. Truth be told, the temperature is probably about the same everywhere in the building, but I have convinced myself it’s warmer on the main floor. For me, warmer is happier. Whatever works, right?
‘New angles’
Turns out, moving around to different areas of the sanctuary has opened up our perspective. We’ve met new friends, reconnected with old ones we hadn’t seen in forever and most importantly, reengaged in worship from refreshing new angles.
I have frequently been a back row Baptist, but sitting closer to the front makes it seem as though the preacher and singers are communicating with you personally, with fewer distractions.
Your point of view really can make a difference. If your worship experience is becoming a bit routine, change it up. Move around.
Jesus doesn’t care where you sit. He just wants your attention. We will find God when we seek Him and listen for His voice — even under an air conditioning vent.
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