easier, in some ways

[jay]

As the nominal "holiday" season moves into its more-intense mode... not just shopping and secular consumerism, but various spiritual or philosophical observances... in some ways, being on the road is easier than being at home, in that I'm not caught in-between the social and spiritual. Good friends are hosting pagan events... Yule or Solstice... today and next Tuesday. Many of my local SF-area friends are likely to be at one or both of these... if I were home they'd be unlikely to accompany me to a Christmas service, so I'd feel funny about joining their observances likewise as a non-participant guest. Even certain local parties with pagan overtones leave me feeling a bit uneasy at times, and I generally miss those that are tied to specific dates or observances. Meanwhile, even at our home church (St. Timothy's Episcopal, in Mountain View) I'm viewed there as an outsider, somewhat suspect because of my other relationships (and not allowed to serve in volunteer roles).

Last year, we stayed in CA and it felt a bit divisive or isolating around this time, for me. This year, that isn't an option... more a matter of deciding which local church to attend as visitors on Christmas. Easier, if still rather disconnected from friends and community.

Comments

[inflectionpoint.livejournal.com]

On a lighter note, I once managed to get into one of the larger catholic churches in SF with my friend Ning, who is both Chinese and not any flavor of christian at all.

We were there for a musical performance, and afterward walked around a little bit. He had some questions about aspects of the decor, and I explained to him a little bit about why catholic churches are built the way they are. There are reasons for many parts of the design and even the furnishings and decorations throughout the year. Strange how that stuff lingers in the mind.

Anyway, eventually he wanted to know what was going on with the concept of the holy trinity. And I explained a bit to him, including the fact that in my former tradition, the holy spririt is often represented as a dove.

And then...

He looked me dead on, with a serious expression and said, "So you... you... you pray to a bird?!?"

His humor and gentle teasing were a wonderful gift to me at that moment.

And no, I don't currently pray to any birds, doves or otherwise.

I'm enjoying getting to you better and hoping that the holidays are treating you well. Twas fun to not-break-in to your house, by the way.

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

His sense of humor and perspective sound like a gift to those around him.