Faith has felt natural to me since as long as I remember. Yes, faith was natural. Religion, however, was something I've struggled with, again, as long as I can remember. The poor priest that sat across the desk from me at age 12 is probably still praying for my soul...
My children and I don't attend a particular church. I have my own spiritual study - a path I have traveled meticulously since splitting from their father. I had to. I felt as if my very being had been torn from me and faith... well... that was all that I had left. I reached a turning point last fall where I decided it was time to nurture their paths.
Much to the dismay of their Catholic grandparents, I did not baptize nor raise my children in the Catholic church. Instead, I've exposed them to all manner of beliefs and the wondrous stories from different religions. They believe in God. They pray to God. They know some people believe in Jesus and others believe in Buddha and still others don't believe at all. They understand that certain people believe their theism is the ONE and only. They comprehend the nature of spirit, heaven and hell.... as best as can be expected in their young, elementary minds.
And they know, when things don't feel quite right, that they can always be still, breathe deeply and feel the loving embrace of faith to pull them through.
After attending Vacation Bible School last week, my older daughter asked if we could attend service at the hosting church. She also mentioned wanting to be baptized.
SHE has decided for herself.
I hope that means that I've allowed them to find their own way. I am not one to preach that MY path is the only path... for mine has been varied and difficult at times. I also believe, however, that mine has allowed me to point them on their way, with hopefully enough faith to watch them stumble, as I did.
With faith, I also know they'll get back up and be just fine.
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