A Walking Glow Stick
Recently, I went to an event hosted by people I have known for a long time. I’m still a little disturbed by the experience, but not in a bad way. Fascinated might be a better word. I am still fascinated by the experience, mainly because the circumstances around me were predictable and known to me, but my experience of the scene was totally different.
Establishing faith is very grounding and confidence building. Once we make a commitment to give it a test run, the confirmations just keep coming. It’s like keeping an eye out for the best in life, rather than the worst. In reality, I believe everyone is basically surrounded by both and beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. What we choose to believe really does make it so.
And once we start choosing to believe, it’s easy to become acutely aware of those who do not. At this event, the sun was shining, children were playing, and there were many people around me trapped in negative cycles, damaging habits, broken dynamics, or toxic beliefs about themselves or others. I felt a bit odd giving a glowing review of my life, as if I ought to tone it down on the delight and happiness.
I also realized that judging anyone else for their journey was ill advised. I felt somewhat inclined to help those that seemed most in pain, but I also know the instinct to act like a savior for others is a gesture in lacking faith. Their path is upon them, and whether or not they ever achieve a relationship with Good or God is almost entirely up to them. The best I can do is be happy and live well, and if anyone wants to ask me more about it, I would be happy to share what I can without expectation or investment.
Living a faithful life is a bit like being a walking glow stick. Before, I was living in darkness, and then something broke open, and now the most important thing I can do is be a light for others. This is the basic intent behind this blog. I cannot force any reader down a path where I cannot follow, but I can and will say that my life feels better, looks better, is going better with a basic faith in Good (or God, call it what you will). A willingness to believe is really all it takes.