Tip 189: Do not give up going church

Hebrews 10:25,"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Its not easy as new parents living a new life, having to be independent and to care for more than our ownselves for the first time. The baby introduces many new difficulties such as falling ill, or just the very fact that we can be tired and moody with all the housechores and stress. Sometimes, church can even be a baby unfriendly place so you do not fit in well after being a young parent. There could be other challenges such as disagreements with our spouse, the extra burden to carry an extra child to church and many others. We may feel the need to rest during the weekend or to use it to renew loving bonds with our spouse and want a break from church. Yet, it is honorable that we choose to go to church and avoid sticking to the habit to skip church too often.

I can understand the challenges. I was constantly adapting to a new place in London or Hong Kong and seeking to settle down in a new church. My wife felt uncomfortable in some of the new churches and it did give us stress. Add the stress of needing to master a new environment and to know where to shop, where to find places to eat. So, it is very tempting to give up on church. Yet, His grace is sufficient for us always. At times of such stress, God is there to offer us a double portion of rest and blessing. By not giving up, we could finally find joy in God's teaching in church, as well as the love offered by the fellowship of God's people. We need not judge ourselves too harshly or judge others who do not attend church due to such family challenges. Yet, when we seek to honor God, we will find rest. Its the rainbow of hope after the storm. A pleasant refuge that we did not expect, available to those who are faithful. Rather, its God's faithfulness to us than our own efforts lest we should boast. Look past the problems, step into the promised land and let go off our burdens.

(Photos show the final photos of our outdoor family portrait taken with a Nikon D700).