Grow in Wonder, Connect in Love,
Engage in Service, Inspire Generosity.
This mission of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Peninsula is
manifested in many ways! We celebrate these positive experiences an
thank those of you who are willing to share your story!
"Running into God"
By Julian Padowicz
Ran into God at Panera, on Jefferson by the airport, the other day.
Donna and I were having breakfast there with another couple from UUFP. We've found that to be a good way to get to know other church people. When we were new in town, two years ago, another couple invited us to breakfast there, and we came out feeling a bit closer to and more welcome in the Community. As a result, we've made it a practice, over time, to invite other couples, new in church, to join us there for a similar experience.
This time, as we usually do, we got to talking about UUism and what it has meant to us. That's particularly meaningful to Donna and me, since we actually met at a UU church, thirty-two years ago. And this time, perhaps more than on other occasions, the chemistry was particularly strong as we exchanged feelings and fears and hopes, and what effect our UU membership has had on these issues.
I could not help admiring the grace which this couple exhibited in dealing with life's issues. And also, I couldn't help admiring the caring and honesty that my lovely Donna was demonstrating in this sensitive area, as well as the openness with which all of us were discussing some very personal matters.
And suddenly, as we turned to the role that a belief in God plays in all of this, I realized that the four of us expressing and receiving feelings and beliefs, admitting to fears and mistakes around that table were God. The thing that we call God, I realized, wasn't a being or a quantity, at all, but an experience. That which we call God was the experience of people being open and honest and caring, as we were, with one another at that particular moment.
Interested in sharing how the mission of UUFP is alive and moving throughout the Fellowship and beyond?
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4 Comments
Rebecca Wheeler 12/2/2018 10:29:05 pm
Julian, thank you for your, as always, thoughtful writing. This is a vital topic, and indeed, the experience of deep sharing as we may do with folks from church feels like life at its elemental best. I am intrigued that you would call this ‘god,’ I might call it sacred, or fundamental, or some of the best life has to offer. I would call it love. I personally tend to shy away from the word ‘god,’ but your experience and reflections are tantalizing and thought provoking. Thank you!
In community,
Rebecca
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