I was sat in the crèche room at church this morning, listening to the service being piped in (the crèche room is a windowed room inside the main sanctuary) and watching the kids play, thinking about the point of me being there.

Let me elaborate. Bethany had got a puzzle to the head so had demonstrated the full capacity of her lungs to the congregation, while Sam was trying to solemnly lead prayers. Caleb would just shout at us when we tried to sing along to the worship songs (he does this at home too). Lily was being her adventurous little self in a room not entirely built for that exploration.

I was half listening to the service, half worshipping, half praying, half being part of the church community. If we had left without joining others for drinks outside, you would have hardly known we were there (not accounting for the screaming).

So what is the point? What is the point in being physically present at church but mentally, even spiritually, absent? Now that so many services are streamed online, one could argue that there isn’t a point. You could join a service at a time that suits you, where the kids were absent and you could properly engage.

But I think there is something so valuable to attending a church service, no matter the season you’re in. Not only does it demonstrate to the children that we are a family that goes to church (and they better get used to it, since their dad is going to be a vicar). But it also demonstrates to everyone, including yourself, that church is not just a place for when life is good, quiet, in order. It’s not even just a place for when you’re feeling close to God, or even believing in God.

Church is for all seasons, all life stages, all of life. We join together as God’s people in times of celebration and grief. When life is peaceful and when life is chaos (and life with 3 under 4 feels like chaos). When life is all going to plan and when it’s all falling apart.

So I’m not saying that we should force ourselves to attend church when we’re feeling vulnerable or really not up to it. But church should feel like a place that we can go to when we’re vulnerable, even when we’re suffering.

So bring your chaos, bring your burdens, bring your screaming children. God’s house is the place to be, He loves and longs for you to be there.