New City, New Church?

So, today was my first experience with a church in my new city.  I really liked the people, the atmosphere and how warm and friendly everyone was.  This was surprising because I have been wary about trying a new church.  I LOVED my last church.  (I could repeat this statement over and over and over...)  There was so much warmth and freedom and authenticity in the people and I didn't think God could top that.  The people in my last church watched me grow from terrified little girl to a woman trying to walk in whatever gifts God placed in her.  This was quite a journey, and these precious people provided a safe environment for me to spread my little wings and just try.  The encouragement and love and support they provided nurtured these gifts and gave me confidence to keep trying!

So, now I'm in a new place.  Having become a mommy three months ago, newness seems to be the name of the game.  I used to have long, girly hair that could be curly or straight and really made me feel quite vogue at times.  :-)  I have cut said hair as it was being pulled and spit up in, etc.  Also, used to drive a Mini Cooper- quite fun, but impractical.  My husband just bought me a Volvo station wagon.  Am embracing the mommy thing....but not holding my arms wide open to the change of a new city and a new church.  Slowly, streets in this new city are becoming familiar and I am frequenting more places.  This all makes me feel a bit more comfortable and not so much like a tourist.  I HATE feeling like a tourist.  But the church-thing...

  As I said, everyone at this new church was super friendly and I liked it.  But I didn't like not being known.  At home, oh-savor that word home!- everybody knew me.  They had an idea of what was in my heart and in my history and they KNEW me.  We had lived and loved and learned together.  We had cried and laughed and stressed over minute details together.  Thrown parties and been on our knees in prayer and worship and made beautiful harmonies and surprising friendships and I miss that!!!  Here, nobody knows me.  I am a blank slate, a first impression, a "visitor."  Oh, my soul...but the God I came to celebrate this morning knows me.  Better than anyone else.  He has written my days down, even the ones yet to come.  He created my inmost being, the parts I'm afraid to admit even to myself.  He is my Constant Companion, day in and day out.  As I try to fit in a shower, change poopy diapers, put on makeup so my husband recognizes me, make dinner, deal with dogs...He is ever there.  Watching it all.  Singing over me as I sing over my daughter.  Lullabies abound and my soul is soothed.  Maybe the sweet people in my last church who gave me the courage to try will ring in my memory and my heart and new courage will rise in a new town.  Maybe new gifts will be discovered as this new role as mommy emerges.  God is doing a new thing...but He is ever constant.