Reminding Myself

There was an interesting article in the Austin American Statesman recently about what constitutes membership in a Presbyterian church. The opposing sides talked about what you need to believe versus a commitment to living out the gospel no matter what belief you espouse to. In the United Methodist church when we become a member of a congregation, we vow to support the church with our prayers, our presence, our gifts and our service. I think its hard to live out any of the vows of membership without first being present at church.
At least for me, I can make all the vows I want to, but if I’m not reminded of what I promised to do, I forget. I don’t mean to forget. I just do. Between the demands of work, family, the Girl Scouts, and the PTA, I’m bound to forget at least one thing every week. My husband, after 14 years of marriage, still has hopes that I will get better at remembering if I just have a list. The problem is I forget the list.
Luckily, I have my husband, my kids, and my friends who will remind me of what I am supposed to do.
That is what this church is to me. It’s a reminder of who I really want to be. It is a place to work towards the Kingdom of God. It is a family of people who care about me and who gently remind me to do better. When I am present, I am reminded to pray, to give, and to serve others. That means I only have to remember one thing - to show up.