Church: When's the Last Time You Were There?

So, I haven’t been there in a while;

I felt no need to attend any more.

It did little for me when I did go;

getting there was such a chore.

Though I miss its vaulted ceilings,

benches made from hardest wood;

stained glass windowed artwork,

above where pious statues stood;

Its fine linen-draped marble altars,

chalices with accessories of gold;

tall candles of purest bee’s wax,

waiting God's message to be told;

Sinners and saints under one roof,

congregating to worship the Lord;

singing with the passing of baskets,

giving to Him all they can afford.

I once stood, knelt, and also prayed,

trying my best to embrace the game.

But, I never felt God’s presence;

I quit attending, but felt no shame.

I then traveled the whole world over,

met Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Jew.

Each claimed their god was the God.

But, the God said this was not true: 

I am the air, water, earth and fire,

all the forces of nature combined;

not restricted by man-made religion,

never man-owned, nor man-confined.

I am there on top of the mountains,

the valleys below, and upon the sea;

there are no places you may venture,

where you will not encounter me.

I haven’t been to church in a long time;

once, getting there was such a chore.

Perhaps I’ll go for old time’s sake,

and walk with God through the door.

~gj duerrschmidt