My son and I spent the afternoon at an Eagle Scout ceremony. The young man who was becoming an eagle scout is part of a Jewish family we care very much about. They have been our friends since we were neighbors starting when our boys were very small.
They only have two boys (twins) left at home, both seniors. Our son is a junior. Time has passed quickly. Both boys are friends of our son but one is his best friend. The kind of best friend who will be part of his life forever, even if years pass when they do not see each other.
I arrived early to help set up for the reception and to bring the cake I had picked up on Saturday, helping run some of the errands necessary to make the day special. I had baked the boy's favorite cookies to serve on a pretty, cut glass plate. I think even Boy Scouts notice such things.
Two very important politicians were there to honor the Boy Scout and his family. I voted for their opponents. After the ceremony, I sat at a table with their other friends. They talked about peace protests and political party activities. They discussed political views other than my own. I'd say most, if not all, were of a different religious persuasion.
As in many such occasions over the years, I am asked at what political event or social activity I met the family. I tell the story as I've told it dozens of times in the years we have been friends. No, we do not attend the same events. I'm an evangelical Christian, a conservative Republican. I do not like war but I have not attended a peace rally. We are friends by choice, in spite of our differences for love knows no color and no political boundaries. We choose not to discuss religion or politics for both know we would never convert the other by words alone. People nod and smile and find it wonderful that we can be friends when we are "so different".
There was a time in my youth, I was active in politics. I have left such activity to those who are younger and have more energy. Now, I pray for my friends who do not know my beloved Savior. I think often how the solutions they long for are in the Words of the Book. I am there when they need me, with advice when they ask. When the time is right, I have my Bible by my side and I know what to say.
I've learned through the years that is all I can do. I don't need to beat anyone over the head or say words at the wrong time. I just need to be part of the lives of people who are different than me. I am a wife, mother, friend, and baker of cookies. That is the calling He has given. That is all He asks, to be prepared with the defense of the Gospel when asked, to love at all times.
Picture from: Allposters.com
I want to know this woman!
1 comment:
What a lovely post. Spoken with such warmth and wisdom. Although only almost 30, I think I've sort of learned the moral of your story already. In my early 20's I was very active in politics and alienated a lot of folk. It has been since the birth of my child ( and subsequently not having the time to watch news all day or listen to talk radio) that I have found that politics need not be such a divider. I'm amazed at how even when I hear a differing opinion now, I just respectfully listen and give my two cents worth if asked, if not asked, I nod and move the conversation along. I think I'm portraying a better American this way. Isn't differing opinions and the freedom to express them what is important in America? Oh, if only I'd learned this lesson much sooner. As for religious difference, I've really had to learn to deal with this one. MIL and FIL are both Muslim. This really motivates me to be the gentlest, kindest, most charitable Christian I can be. I never get my feathers up and when asked about Christianity, speak gently and humbly.
Sorry this is so long. Brenda, I really enjoy your posts. I'm so pleased you can see past differences. It makes life much sweeter.
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