I was thinking about libraries today. About some things I miss back home.
I have always loved being in a library. My mom used to bring us all the time when we were children. And I continued my visits as an adult.
When my children were young I did the same and had them armed with a library card as soon as they were old enough. Was pretty much a permanent fixture at our local library in Coppell, Texas. It was fabulous.
Rainy days? Go to the dry library. Hotter than Hades summer afternoons? Head to the air-conditioned library. Antsy kids? Put them up for adoption. Or hit the toddler time reading circle at the library.
My girls have attended magic shows and reptile exhibitions. They’ve gone on scavenger hunts. Joined summer reading clubs. And let’s not forget the endless arts and crafts.
I went alone. And I also brought them. I was there usually once a week. Or at least every other week.
They made it so easy for me. It was free of charge (ok, our tax dollars were hard at work) and it was comfortable. I could select my books on-line from home. They would shelve them with my name on it in a special section and I could pick them up at my convenience. And hit the check out machine if I didn’t have time to stand in line to wait for the librarian.
They had a wonderful collection. They even had a bin outside if I needed to return my books during hours when it was closed. If I was in a hurry or couldn’t drag my kids inside the building.
All great stuff. But the reason I really loved it was because I felt totally at peace while I was there. And totally comfortable. A place I always felt welcomed. No judgement from anyone. Could lose myself in my thoughts. And a book. Sit in a comfortable seat and enjoy the quiet. No phones. Didn’t have to talk. And I was with folks that were there for the same exact reasons. And I always went home with something new.
I was thinking the same thing about church today. Another thing I miss from back home.
I see the parallels.
They made it so easy for me. It was free of charge (ok, contributions welcomed) and it was comfortable. I could choose what time I wanted to go. It was always near my home. There was always someone greeting you at the door with a smile. There was ample parking. Always a volunteer group, project or organization to join. And donuts, coffee and fellowship after Mass. And beer for St. Patrick’s Day. Ok, that was just my California parish.
All great stuff. But the reason I really loved it was because I felt totally at peace while I was there. And totally comfortable. A place I always felt welcomed. No judgement from anyone. Could lose myself in my thoughts. And a book. Sit in an uncomfortable seat and enjoy the quiet. No phones. Didn’t have to talk. And I was with folks that were there for the same exact reasons. And I always went home with something new.
I haven’t been to either a church or a library since I moved to Malaysia.
Yes, I can download books on-line. And I do.
I can also be spiritual without attending a service. And I try.
There are a few reasons why I haven’t visited either place. I could list them all but what would it matter. The biggest reason I haven’t is because it just wouldn’t be the same. Some might say that’s just an excuse. Maybe. Or that it could be something better. Somehow I highly doubt that.
I know that Easter and a visit to the book store this weekend prompted all of these thoughts. It’s not even meant to be a complaint. I’m away from home and it is a different place. That’s just the way it is. But it certainly makes you appreciate certain things. That will never feel the same as they do back home.
Not to say that there won’t be other wonderful things happening wherever you happen to be. There most definitely will be. But some things just can’t be replicated.
Remember to enjoy and appreciate all the things that bring you peace. And make you truly feel at home. Whatever it might be. Wherever you happen to be.
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