church

i was thinking as i left church today about how i don't like church and haven't since at least junior year of high school. then tonight chelleybutton mentioned that at her church today people were talking about things they were thankful for and many people mentioned church and church-related things. i found this discouraging. it never would cross my mind to be thankful for something like that. i've thanked God that we have the freedom to go to church. and i've been thankful for friends' churches when they've supported them when they've needed it. but i've never had a church of my own to be thankful for.
i was feeling very discouraged.
but! then i remembered that i did like my church in grad school. it was such a great church. no, it doesn't help my situation now, because it's hundreds of miles away, but it gives me hope that there is such a thing out there as a church i could like. do i believe i'll find another one? no. but just the fact that it could exist - that one does exist - is something that i find very encouraging. so thank you, grace community church, for being a shining light.