Sometimes I wonder if its just me who goes through the cycle of being at a point almost anti-religious to a being who respects religion more and more each day as I age. But then I hear the stories from other young people about how they perceived religion and it's comforting to know that I'm not the only one.
When I was younger I used to be forced to go to church. Church was a trivial, mundane routine that never really sank in. I used to sing in the choir when I was even younger, but as I grew into my pre to teenage years I started to rebel a bit against the institution. At our church we had religious instructions and confirmation classes alternating every Monday for 3 years from the ages of 11-13. I remember those times as being trying times for me, and although I was confirmed after the three years, my attendance from church after that suffered.
Now recently, however, I've begun to be interested in church and the Lord's work once more. I've gained a greater understanding and appreciation for the establishment and I'm no longer forced to go to church, but do so by my own will. There are still times when I feel lazy and don't want to go, but slowly I'm pushing the old lazy me aside and replacing it with a more faithful being that understands the value of spiritual growth and health.
As I age and mature, now 23 years of age, I begin to understand the need for such establishments as human beings. For what are we without religion but just another speck of dust in the great Universe before us? Now I'm beginning to realize why the old and experienced turn to religion after so many years of shying away.
When I was younger I attended church merely for the physical food that was there for me, but as I mature, it's the food for soul that I'm more interested in.
