On the Mountain Top

After we stopped to drop off the recyclables  today before church, we arrived about 15 minutes before the service started.  I like to get there a bit early to give myself time to get centered and clear my mind. I have to admit that I do value peace and quiet when I want to do some thinking, since I am easily distracted.  Maybe a little ADD, I don't know.

Anyway, after we settled into our pew(always right side, fourth from the rear) it was very noticeable that I didn't feel like I was in a place of worship. Instead it felt more like a party atmosphere or something. None of that quietly whispering with your neighbor or even stage whispers,but full bore chatting up with people several pews here and there. It seemed they forgot where they were or something. The worst offenders, of course, were those you would least expect to be, or should be.

When we were traveling around Europe and enjoying the amazing churches where ever we went, there were always signs that insisted on the visitor respecting where they were and keeping silent.  If you didn't, you were given a very stern warning.  I remember when we were in Assisi, Italy visiting the church named for him, a man was talking in a rather inappropriate level of conversation.  He began arguing with the man in charge of voice level when told to" shh", something you don't want to ever do.  He was forcefully thrown out by the quiet keeper, who continued to follow him for a ways down the walk, continuing to berate the rude man for several minutes.  Good for him.

Anyway, as I sat there trying to filter out all the noise, I got to thinking that I would be a lot closer to my maker, who I came to connect with, if I were on the top of a mountain right now than sitting there trying to shut out the din. I've spend many an hour in the past doing just that and have to say my connection to God has been a lot more powerful than some of my church experiences. Kinda makes me tempted to head for the mountains soon.  Oh that's right, I am.