Easter, or as I more appropriately call it, Resurrection Sunday, has come, and gone.

Perhaps you consider yourself a Christian, a Believer; and as some would say, a Follower of Jesus. Possibly, you attended a service on Sunday like you normally do. If that describes you, that is wonderful! However, if that description is not accurate depiction of  you, please, read on.

Easter Sunday is undoubtedly, the most attended Sunday in Christian churches in the United States. Depending on which poll is most accurate, anywhere between 51% and 79% of Americans planned to attend an Easter service yesterday. That is a behemoth of a percentage, considering the overwhelming rapid secularization that has occurred over the past few decades, specifically the  last 10 years or so.

Yet still, there is something about Easter.

Each year I am continually surprised when Easter approaches, and a friend or acquaintance (who normally could not care less about church attendance, God, Jesus, the cross, etc.), shares their plans to attend a service. And don’t misunderstand me, I am pleasantly surprised, and genuinely happy they plan to attend; it just makes me think.

If you are one of those persons who attended an Easter service yesterday who has not darkened a church door, since maybe Christmas, or even Easter last year, I commend you! It is not fun, nor enjoyable, attending a church service when it is “not your thing”. And add to that, all that comes with attending, such as getting all dressed up, throwing on a tie or nice dress, when you never dress like that. Or perchance, you attended a hip, relaxed service wearing jeans while you focused on the pastor (after of course, the fog from the fog machine dissipated)  speaking from a super-contemporary stool; if you attended a church like that, kudos to you!

I will not bore you with doctrine, theological speak, or even rehash a similar message that you might have heard yesterday. And that is in no way disrespect, or a repudiation of the message that you heard. I trust that you heard a transforming message of hope, deliverance, peace and love yesterday. If not, no worries, even the best pastor fires off a dud now and then!

I do not know why you attended. Was it for a spouse, significant other, parent, friend? Was it “all you” as in something inside you nudged or persuaded you? And do not worry, thousands, if not millions were in your shoes, and did the same. However,  now Easter has come and gone; it is over.

You now have a choice. You can move on with that Easter service in your rear-view mirror, driving as fast as you possible can till it is no longer visible. Or…you can decide to act differently, doing something completely out-of-character for you: This coming Sunday, you can get in your car, drive on the same road, end up at the same church you just visited the week prior, and even sit in the same pew (or chair!) that you sat in seven days ago. And yes, give it a second chance.

Now I am not saying that you have to agree with it all; you probably will not. But why not take this as an opportunity to answer the question, “what if?”. You might do that, and then realize that it was a complete and total waste of time. That is okay. However, you might have the contrary experience.

One Day, perhaps 10 years from now, you will look at your family as you get in your car. You hear your children chatting back and forth, and you wink at your spouse as they place their hand on top of yours as you head to that same church. The church where you developed friendships, felt loved; the church where your kids grew physically and spiritually. The church where you attended a marriage enrichment workshop that forever strengthened your marriage.

You ponder all these things in your heart and mind as you think to yourself, I am forever grateful that I decided to go back to that church the Sunday after Easter; so very glad!