Let's all be friends, shall we?

I rolled out of bed this morning at 5:30 a.m. for Easter sunrise services with my great-aunt, miles and miles away in the middle of the boonies. Growing up, this was one of our few traditions, but I won't lie when I say I'm not a fan of being an "adult" now and having to drive myself instead of getting another half hour of sleep in the backseat.

It's a Presbyterian church--it's also haunted, but let's not get into that now--with a pretty old congregation. I think I was one of five people in my twenties. We sat in pews, sang hymns, recited prayers...your typical traditional Easter service. Then I went to Woodcrest, a nondenominational church back in town. My ears were ringing from the rock music and I sympathized for parents who rushed their children out during the odd and incredibly intense dance routine.

I don't have much of a point here, except that it was interesting to see the different ways people worship. I haven't exactly settled on my own style yet, but I'll find it eventually.

When I got home (after a much needed nap), I started checking out my Twitter and Facebook feeds. You had your typical Bible verses, and your typical angry people denouncing "holiday Christians" for being hypocrites. I hate to sound like a peace sign-waving hippie here, but why can't we all get along? Why does religion have to be such a weapon? Maybe a person who only goes to church on Christmas and Easter isn't a hypocrite... maybe they're just doing the best they can. Or trying to hang on to something that once brought them comfort. Just because you're devout doesn't mean you should point a finger at those who aren't, and vice versa. To each their own. We're all fighting the same battle.

Which reminds me of my group thesis for the paper I'm currently working on: "we are all shaped by our common desire for a sense of belonging, a sense of purpose -- our common humanity."

Probably time to get back to that paper. For those celebrating, happy Easter. And to those who aren't, happy Sunday. Let's all be friends, shall we?