People Change
You're right, this isn't new information. Ever meet an old friend, once a gentle giant, now a buff athlete strutting around in his speedo? Close that drooping jaw.
If we have history, you're in the right place for an update. (Sorry, no speedo) I’m quite aware of the distance that now exists between myself and the old gang I used to hang with. Our Sunday school and youth group days are not even in the rear view mirror anymore, not after all the road we've covered.
I’m sure there are many joys we have in common. We have all gone the way of fine wine. Grown children make us beam and grandkids bounce on our knees or off the walls. Here’s hoping your life is as rich as mine.
A link I posted on Facebook a day ago made a friend (maybe a few) pause and reflect. For me, it was one of those moments when father time looks over his shoulder and flips you the bird. (me palm slapping my forehead) I deleted the post and pm’d the friend explaining I had intended it for a private group I belong to on FB.
Bottom line, after leaving the church I’d grown up and served in, I found another spiritual home. After several comfortable years in that fellowship, I wanted to return to the ministry. My plan was to go back to school, attend seminary, earn a degree, and serve in my new denomination.
Funny thing happened on the way to seminary. (Hey, a title for my memoir?)
First, I wanted to complete an associate’s degree. I arrived at college with all my childhood doubts in tow. Philosophy and science courses, unlike religious instruction, put all relevant information on the table. My doubts had merit based on information that’s existed before I was born.
What I learned about myself and about the faith I’d championed made it clear to me that I could no longer continue down my former path.
Once obedient to a fault, I’d learned in my 30s to own my beliefs rather than follow blindly. This supercharged my devotion to Christ, especially His inclusive and non-judgmental message of love.
After college, I struggled to reconcile my new, informed view of our place in the universe with the mythical stories I’d grown up with. Church was all I knew, my happy place.
My new truth prevailed, and I took my foot out of that familiar place. This was difficult, and I realized I’d entered a time of mourning. I missed the life I had built around my faith. Even in this sorrow, I discovered a peace not known before.
Like Voyager 1, I’ve left the building. It is 15 Billion miles from where it started. From where I’m standing, I’ve only taken a few, albeit substantial steps. As I’ve learned, and it never gets old, relativity sets the stage we all play on.
No comments:
Post a Comment