Sunday

Recently - like today I have a bone to pick.  I told myself I wasn't going to use my blog for these, and just for happy updates on my cute little family.  I changed my mind for a brief moment so I'm going to vent a little bit.

Now for you loyal blog readers (I kid myself into thinking it's a lot but it's just a few - but I love you for reading) I don't want to offend you and this vent isn't to offend it's just my little opinion that needs to spill out through words instead of yelling at someone I love.

Here it goes.  While driving today Sunday August 21st, Lyla my four year old says "I hope someday we can change our mind and go to church today."  Bill and I look at each with an odd look because we don't mention church.  Here is why.  I have nothing against any religion really I don't - I just choose to not make religion a part of my life.  Now I'm not saying I don't believe in God, or prayer, or spirituality.  I believe in all of that.  I just in my opinion don't think I need religion or church to tell me how to believe in these or how I should be.  So, I don't plan to raise my kids in any religion.  I will teach them about God, prayer, and spirituality.  I will teach respect to others.  To accept everyone for their strengths and for their faults. I will teach charity, in fact every winter I gather up toys and clothes not being used, plus food and take them to homeless shelters and the Dove House.  This year Lyla will be going with me - to see how others don't have everything she has. As my children grow if that want to make religion a part of their lives - I will support them!  I don't care what religion they choose as long as it's their choice and it's an informed decision.  I don't want it to be a because my parents go to this church I do, or because my friends go to this church I do - I want them to choose their church based upon what is in their heart and what they have researched on said church.  If like me they don't choose one I think that is fine too - as long as it's what they want.  So, guess what no my kids won't be baptized when they're 8 years old - just accept this.

On with the Lyla conversation.  After she says this I ask "who talked to you about this?"  Of course it could only be 1 or 2 people (and I will keep that on the DL).  She tells me.  I ask her "do you know what church is?"  Lyla says "It's where people get married."  Yes that's true.  But here is what bugs me about this conversation.  I don't want someone telling Lyla that she is supposed to go to church, because she's not, and frankly as her parent I am allowed to have a say in what she is supposed to do and what she isn't.  Like:  Yes Lyla you're supposed to wipe the snot off your nose.  No Lyla you're not allowed to make fun of that kid in daycare because he doesn't wipe his nose.   To me spirituality is not the same as religious.  Really you can be spiritual with out religion, and you can be religious with out being spiritual - we all know some of these people.  Lyla will go to church when she chooses to go to church, and I honestly hope that if she does decide this - she goes to several different ones.  See what they're all about - nothing wrong with that.

Now do I hate you because you go to church every Sunday and are part of a religion - umm no.  I support you, I love you, and I hope for only great things in your life.  I'm not going to say to "You should stop that church thing."  Guess what if you invite me to a religious service that means something to you ie: baptism, I will come if I'm able because you have asked me to be part of something that is very special to you and your family - I will support and love you.  So, please oh please do not tell me or my family that we need/have/should go to church - guess what I think we're still a very strong spiritual family.  Thanks for your concern.

All right I'm done offending and I feel a little bit better getting that off my chest.  I shall drink a Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi now.