I was at a friend's church event yesterday, for Good Friday cum Easter Sunday celebrations. I saw people I knew. And people I didn't. Or rather didn't know.. yet. I used to go to church quite a bit as a kiddo but those visits grew fewer and fewer and I'm not happy to say, that the last time I went to church before yesterday, was in 2005 back in Australia. I didn't even make it a point to go when I was back there last year.
I have been to my fair share of church proceedings but they are usually sombre events.. whereas, after a warning, I was pulled straight in to the excitement, hype.... and love. I was greeted so warmly that the feeling pulled at my heartstrings, people I hadn't known yet were pulling me into conversations and I felt and heard myself talk to God. It was such an exhilerating feeling that thinking back upon it now, it dawns on me the word that would aptly put into words the feelings-addictive.
I choked up more than once because the feeling was overpowering yet subtle in progression. I was overwhelmed for I could feel. The environment was phenomenal, the youth so energetic. Everywhere I turned, I saw happy faces, glowing faces. I could help but smile and sing along. I loved it. I'm grateful I got to be a part of it. As much as it "meant the world" to my friend, it meant so much more to me. The feeling of being included in someone's life, especially a place that makes up a big chunk of said person's life, is precious- and I was honoured with that experience.
I have temple tomorrow. It's going to be with the usual pomp and splendour and I'm grateful I was brought up in such a family environment. I have asked a friend along, and it would be awesome for her to share some of the experiences I've had being in this traditional environment.