On a recent trip for work, I crossed paths with an old friend whom I hadn't seen or spoken to for more than a year. In the course of talking over the events of our lives, he began to mention the idea that God was working on a plan for his life. In fact, he framed it up as,"I never really believed others when they said,'God is asking me to do this.' I have reached a point where I now believe they may have seen something I didn't — and now, God is at work in my life, and I think he is presenting a choice to me."
Well, that's the executive summary of the conversation, anyway, without all the details. Lots of people (myself included) go through an epiphany regarding the presence of God and his influence on their life decisions. So what makes this any different? I read this week that God in his totality may be too 'big' to grasp in our feeble human minds — and that we also learn to know Him by first understanding what He is not, and then by understanding where others stand in relation to Him.
Even before my studies this week, I felt somehow refreshed and enlightened by the conversation I had with my old friend. We knew each other for years, and this was a little different than any conversation between us…of course the obvious difference is that my old friend has experienced a change of heart. I knew immediately that he had changed in his relationship with God by the way he spoke of God's presence and actions in his life. But more than that — and this is my real message — I listened. I was more comfortable than ever listening to someone elses witness; I wasn't uncomfortable with not know ing what to say. I was at ease with the idea…even in public. Finally, my studies shed some light on more of 'why' my conversation had perhaps been so fulfilling.
None of this could be a reality if I hadn't been involved with a small church community. In hindsight, the point is that I've changed where I stand in relation to God because of my group. The real beauty is that part of my growth as a Catholic through my SCC is a deeper appreciation for this journey and where others are along a similar journey. It is certainly recent enough history that I can clearly recall what my response to someone elses witness might have been prior to this single conversation. I hope my friend finds his way closer to God, and I hope he finds people to help him along the way. The effects of our SCC on the far corners of our lives always amazes me — I have a circle of people to help me. Our group is awesome…becaues our God is Awesome.
Entries (RSS)