Hindsight is 20/20. This is so true and once I finally 'listened' I realized all these prior appointments were leading me up to 3.5.11. I would like to share some of those times with you.
None of it made sense until after and only after I surrendered to Him. Then it was like a light bulb went off. I dated a boy in high school who came from a very spiritual family. His religion was "Free Methodist." I didn't really understand what that meant, but loved attending church with him. His entire family and their families went. Many Sunday's included a large family meal at his house. He was the youngest and the only one at home. All his siblings were older and either away at college or married with their own children. We used to babysit his nieces and nephew. I remember his brother-in-law stating that his daughters could only date boys if they came over for devotions and survived. I didn't know exactly what that meant, but I know it had something to do with religion. (Ironically one of those nieces, attends CCC and I saw her at retreat last year!) His family had a lasting impact on me. I think of them often and cherish the time I was very much a part of their lives. I run into one of them now and again and love catching up. My first bible was given to my by Mary Fullmer. It was her guidance that opened my eyes to more. Keep in mind I was in high school and we all know how 'relationshps' go - LOL. After two years of dating her son, we broke up. Thinking back I don't really remember why but do remember that I was heart broken and devastated. Mrs. Fullmer told me that it would hurt, but my heart should not be filled with a boy, but with the Lord. I was intrigued with this and started reading bits and pieces of the bible. The verse she told me to say was Psalm 61:4- "I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. (The version she gave me had different wording) I found comfort in this verse for many years to come and it it will always remain on of my favorites.
For years after that, I sat dormant in my quest for Jesus. I think the next milestone was when I got married. Sean was Catholic and I was baptized Catholic so I considered myself Catholic. In order for us to be married in the Catholic church, I had to be confirmed and have a first communion. I went through an adult class called RCIA (Right of Christian Initiation for Adults.) It was a weekly class led by elders of the church and it was very tough for me. I questioned everything including if this was right for me. My husband and I discussed this because I felt so strongly that our children be raised with a solid religious background. I knew what it was like to not have that foundation (no offense to my parents) but I wanted my kids to always have that and faith. Something more, a higher power to trust in. Our intentions were genuine. I also had my first Communion with my then youngest cousin and his 8th grade class. My family was very proud of both of us and it was wonderful to experience something like that with family. When each of our children was born, they were both baptized into the Catholic religion.
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