The past several months have been what I will call a recycling period with the people who have come in and out of my life. It really is a vivid image of people from my past coming into my life and either staying or leaving. I have been reconnected with some friends from long ago. Sadly, a few that I thought were friends have shed from me like the dead skin from a snake. I am okay with that though because I have met some remarkable people who have come into my life during this process and am strengthening relationships with people that should remain or be part of my life. It was time to shed the dead weight and move stronger into a new phase of life.
I have been going to church again. A co-worker invited me a few months ago. I had not been to church in a couple years and so I hesitated to say yes at first. I really wasn't feeling it. I have been tired of trying to understand God and his mysterious ways. I took a good, long break from it. I'm glad I did. We all need to go through our own journeys to learn who we are and how to reach our potential. This time at church, I felt different about it. I wasn't going for any particular reason so I didn't feel obligated to like it. It was more of a courteousy acceptance to an invitation of a fellow worker.
Boy, my experience at Restored Church gave me something to remember. I actually felt loved during the worship. I understood what the pastors were talking about. I could relate to them. They are simple people, not rich or making money the way Joel Olsteen is or most religions. They spoke thought provoking things that challenge your character as a human being on earth. Things that could apply to even an Amazonian in the jungle. That is how I measure the truth. If an indigenous human can apply this teaching without having a Bible in hand, then it is truth. Truth is unbiased. It applies to everyone.
Tonight was my second night at Bible Study. These people feel like family already. I felt love in this home. Truth is here. Everyone attending is simple and humble. I had prayed for these things years ago. I specifically wanted to be surrounded by humble people who don't get absorbed in the world's lies. Call it an epiphany, revelation, prophecy, coincidence, divine nature. I'm gonna say my prayers were answered. I remember being 15 years old and asking God to please get me to a safe place where the people are not pretentious, competitive, and spoiled. I wanted so badly to be around resilient folk who value the loyalty of their friends and family, the kind of people who are grateful and have true peace in their hearts. Well, I am here... 12 years later. I am right where I dreamed to be when I was 15.
Maybe it would have happened sooner if I was more patient with God. But then again, perhaps I wouldn't have the same appreciation for what is had I not struggled to get here. Suffering is part of life, but on the other side of that coin is joy. We all have to suffer, but I see now that I can find peace through it so long as I take the opportunity to seek wisdom through it. Without suffering, could we truly understand joy? I wonder. All I know is that I am beginning a new relationship with God that feels like a clean slate. I am listening for wisdom.
I am liking this new phase in life I have entered. This is the beginning of my heart and mind working together in peace. My mind is being put to rest with the peace that wants to stay in my heart.
