Sunday reflection: What do you do when church doesn't fit your schedule?

It's a hard place to be in when you want to go to church, need to go to church, and it just does not fit in with your schedule.  Growing up in the 80's, our church life was our schedule pretty much.  There were very few things that interfered with our weekly rituals of church.  Looking back on that, I realize that neither of my parents worked weekends.  Occasionally there might be a weekend conference one attended or something like that, but that was a rarity.  Sunday was for church.  Period.

As an adult, I am finding that is not always the case, at least in my world.  My work schedule varies so much right now that it is hard make social plans, including church.  And the fact of the matter is I have to work any opportunity I am given because I have to support myself.  God is wonderful but He doesn't pay my bills....directly, that is.  And He hasn't given me the secret to winning the lottery either, so I can't rely on that plan of action to make it to church.  Ah, well.

So, I wonder what do I need to do when I can't get to church?  Yes, there are radio sermons and podcasts and such, but it's not the same as being in a pew and feeling like I am contributing something.  Mainly contributing something to myself, to be honest.  I don't go to church to be seen by others...to show people my spirituality.  It is a time for me to reflect and search and ask and seek within myself.  Trying to do that at home is not quite the same and I am not sure what path I need to go down to find that when life prevents me from being at the service.

There are some people that say "if you really want it, you will find a way to make it happen".  Well, that's all good in theory but it is an unrealistic expectation.  I wish it were that simple.  I do know that God is aware of my situation and He follows me where ever I am.  I get that.  Sometimes I just do not feel that where I am is right for my relationship with the Lord.  My spirituality is very personal and I am not one to put it on display....but I am actually that way with most aspects of my life...quite shy and introverted in many ways. 

Life will sort itself out and I will find a way to make this constant in my life part of my routine.  I probably shouldn't worry about it as much as I do but that is the way the ball bounces sometimes.  Until then, God, You're just going to have to go with me along this path.  As for now, it's time to get ready for work.

Be blessed.