As a kid, I attended a very old church. The floors were made of old wood that creaked when you walked on them. One morning after Sunday School, my friend Richard (maybe his real name, maybe it’s not) and I were coming down the stairs from the loft. Just as we were about to take a seat, Richard tripped. He was wearing new dress shoes on his big feet. When Richard fell, he began to roll. 

The only place for Richard to roll was down, so that’s where he went. He tumbled, head over heels down the old wooden stairs. It was loud. Every time his shoes made the revolution, they made a loud “clomp” as they hit the wooden floor. Then his head came around and made a different-sounding “clomp” when it hit the floor. He somersaulted several times as he rolled. So, the sacred silence of the old sanctuary was broken by an obnoxiously loud, “clomp, clomp, clomp…” It looked like he would make it to the bottom of the stairs.

Finally, an old man in an aisle seat saw what was happening. As Richard rolled past him, he reached out to stop him. The man successfully pinned Richard’s head against a pew to stop his descent. I think Richard was thankful, but his face was too contorted against the pew for me to tell. I had tears in my eyes by then so I couldn’t see well.  

Church was essentially over for us at that point. I don’t remember anything that happened after that. To say we laughed uncontrollably is an understatement. I don’t think I have laughed that hard in the history of all things funny. The scene replayed in my head every few seconds and the entire pew shook as I laughed. It was even more hilarious because we weren’t supposed to make any noise. All Richard could do was laugh along. It was a historical moment in our adolescent lives, one that brings me joy to this day. 

This is the kind of story that only seems to happen in church. I’m glad I went to that church growing up, and I’m sorry I didn’t go more. I have great memories there. Church is an important part of our faith journey. It is also a critical part of passing our faith to the next generation. Sadly, church attendance is rapidly declining with each generation.  

God’s word tells us to regularly gather with other believers for strength, comfort, and encouragement. Life is difficult enough without having to live it alone. Hebrews 10:25 says, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.” If you need a good place to attend, come sit with me. I’m in the pew by the aisle, in case some kid with big feet rolls by assistance.