Your Path vs. My Journey

I've recently had several conversations with a close friend who is struggling with life. My friend was raised a Christian who, for the most part, followed a youth of asceticism. He walled himself off from the things that distracted him from his beliefs. He was strong and, while he slipped a few times in his teen years, he repented - staying on track and doing what he thought was right and good in the eyes of the Lord. As he grew older and unhappy, he was faced with temptations. His life became confusing and his guilt became overwhelming. Making decisions that rose from his own deep depression, he grew further and further from his faith.

This is the exact opposite of my own life. I was not raised a Christian. I was allowed to make my own mistakes without the guidance of the bible. I often overindulged and this created a very emotionally tumultuous young adult life for me. However, by consequence of my excessive behavior, somehow I was led to a path that required me to examine my life, my choices, and my faith. Over the past four years, I've spent time reading the bible, seeking wisdom through Christ, and building a relationship with God. I've grown in my faith and, yes, I'm still a sinner, but somehow I have become a counselor. Friends (both Christian and Non-Christian) actually seek my wisdom and understanding of life and even, of the bible.

I don't know how this happened.

I guess I've always been a bit of an adviser. I have vivid memories of being on the middle school playground playing "therapist" - where my friends would all take turns asking my advice. I'm a natural listener. I'm sympathetic. And these things create in me a desire to help people.

But I sometimes think that it is my life of experience that actually helps me to relate to people - my empathy. There isn't much that I haven't done. And therefore, there isn't anything that anyone can tell me that will shock me. Maybe that's why people feel like they can open up to me? Because I am not judgmental? I've been there. I've done that. And somehow I lead a fully functional, aware, and positive lifestyle. This intrigues people - new friends are amazed and shocked by my past; old friends are fascinated that I'm not bitter.

Well, the truth is, I often find myself envious of my friend's (or anyone's) youthful innocence. I struggle with my sins and I look at my children and wish I'd raised them differently - with Christ in their daily life. I worry that my sins will also be their sins and therefore my suffering will be their suffering. I try to provide to them what I never had - a Christian path. But I know that this is a personal choice, so I pray that they seek Him in their own time.

I remind myself that there are several paths in life that can lead to the same destination. There is no "One Right Way" to do anything, but we all have the option to choose the path of Christ. Even if  we've fallen away. We all have the opportunity to change (or re-route). To forgive. We can love and seek joy and peace. We can choose patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.

Every day is an opportunity to choose to change... or to grow. Each morning offers a new beginning where we can forgive others and accept forgiveness. That is my favorite part of my faith - knowing that I am forgiven. Because none of us are perfect from birth to death - not one of us. So, whether you were raised Christian or not, you are still going to fall. And when you do, Christ will be there to offer a hand and lift you up.

I recently said to another friend who is struggling, "You can't be old and wise, unless you are first young and foolish." Hopefully those words gave her comfort in accepting her past decisions and helps her to move forward. I know that I have learned also by doing it wrong the first time, so these words offer me comfort.

But what really offers me comfort?

I am comforted by knowing that there are many people like me in the bible - people who "became" Christian after leading a sinful life. There are also many stories of faithful people, people of God's own heart, straying away and finding their way back. The bible has become my comforter. And so, if you're reading this, and if you really want my advice... If you want to know what gets me through the day, even with all of the turmoil and negativity... It's the bible.

If you're not a Christian (and you're still reading this), I ask you this - why haven't you read the bible? Especially if you consider yourself a scholar or a well read person. How can you fully disapprove of something that you haven't fully investigated? The only way to do that - to fully learn about the Christian faith - is to read the bible. Beginning to end. Old Testament to New Testament. Not snippets or pieces. And not through someone else's words.

Consider this a challenge - a friendly dare. If you want to ask my opinion or share your life story with me, you can certainly ask my advice. I will always try to give my best. But if you want to know what I know and feel how I feel, then first, I ask you to read the bible.

If you've done that, and you still don't believe, I'd like to talk to you and ask you why. I'm curious and I'd like the opportunity to talk to you to understand.

Maybe you can teach me something. Or maybe I can teach you something. Only one way to find out...