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Over the years, I have enjoyed coaching my sons in basketball and football. However, in the Northeast, there is no emphasis on attending church. Many of the leagues have games scheduled on Sundays. As a result, I have asked that they accommodate my request and ensure my games do not conflict with church for me and my players. They have graciously accepted my request, of which I am appreciative.
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I have also adopted this mindset with everything else—family parties, gatherings, recreation, etc. To the best of my ability, I want to keep my Sundays free for church because attending is something God has commanded, and I never want to take that instruction lightly. That's not to say we need to become legalistic and that missing church is an unpardonable sin. That's an extremist mentality I do not share, but I will not allow myself to become lazy regarding church because Sundays should be a sacred space with all believers.
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Sure, some folks can't make it because they are first responders, medical workers, caretakers, family trips, or incapacitated due to illness or disability. There's a difference between reasons and excuses. God knows, and deep down, we know it. See, if my missing church is chronic, I am most likely ignorant of my need to be in church or in denial of my excuse-making. At one time in my life, I could relate to both!
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A verse that reminds me about the importance of making Sunday sacred is Hebrews 10:24-25 which declares, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
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Knowing this, make Sunday a sacred space by setting aside time to attend church, and as you get connected, prayerfully look for ways to contribute your time. Remember, we were made for so much more than doing life alone. God's heart is that we would grow and thrive spiritually, which is possible when we make Sundays sacred.