Are you religious? What would you say? My 14 year old was asked that once prior to a third prognosis to his grim diagnosis. He shrugged his shoulders. I was horrified. All the years of conversations, songs, church, AWANA, devotions and time with friends that was his only response. I kept silent. The doctor rephrased his questions "Do you believe in God?" "Yes." Wheww. What is he thinking? I wondered. I waited until we reached the elevator and asked him, "Daniel, why didn't you say you were religious?" "Because 'religious' means different things to different people." Hmm.
That was seven years ago. I am just beginning to grasp all that he meant and how sensitive he was to spiritual things with his thoughtful answer. Religion: a personal set of rules; a cause, principle, or system of beliefs that are held to with ardor and faith; commitment and devotion. The most commonly held principle is the belief in the existence of a supernatural power or God. I believe in God too but, am I religious? What is my cause that I hold to with ardor and faith. Does it encompass all of my life - being religious? How can it not, if I am to hold to it with ardor.
Are you religious? I think I have an answer to that question. Of course I am 30 years older than my son but I have an answer. Do you? In order for complete accuracy your answer has to be your own. Maybe mine will spurr some thoughts and introspection to develop an answer that truly represents your relationship with what you hold most dear! My answer - Yes I am religious. Love is what I hold to with ardor. God is the love that I seek to attain and share. It is what motivates my waking and sleeping. It helps me decide how to talk or not, what vocation to have, who to spend time with and how. Love is the source of my hope in living now and forever. Love has helped me to experience joy that surpasses all understanding amidst chaos and that is even less comprehensible. Love brings peace in these times of waiting. The older I get the harder it is to remember anything so my list of rules is short. Learn all there is to know about Love and in all circumstances share Love with all people.
Now it is your turn to answer. You never know who might ask you, or why? You should always be ready to answer.
