you and I collide...

Ok, so just realized I haven't updated this thing in a couple of weeks, I guess I haven't had much to say. It's weird, my life has been falling into place perfectly lately. I probably shouldn't say that it's weird... I should probably just be thankful for it. And I am -- it is a really, really good thing, and I feel so blessed to be so happy and fulfilled at this point in my life. This last month has been a turning point in my life. I've experienced ups and downs, but have come out on the other side of it all stronger, happier, and in a better place. Thank You, Lord.

I was talking to my friend E a couple of weeks ago about what it means to have faith. I feel like, as Catholics (or Christians) we tend to put holiness and faith in a box: this is what it looks like, this is what it means to be holy, this is what it means to truly believe in God. But, who are we to judge? E has had a difficult time finding her own faith and belief in God. This is a struggle she's faced practically her whole life, and recently, she's come to find God on her own terms. She says she feels closer to God, and has actually started praying, for the first time in years. Praise You Lord! She asked me what I thought about it since I am traditionally Catholic and find my own strength and renewal of faith in the traditional aspects of the religion. This is what I told her: I think God appreciates you finding Him on your own terms, and seeking Him in your own way, rather than avoiding Him your entire life. God just wants you to know Him, and choose Him.

If you'd asked me about this last year, I would have said that there's only one way to follow God, one way to approach Him -- but there isn't. Everyone's journey in faith is different, even within one religion -- everyone's relationship with God is different. Who am I to put your faith, your journey, your intimate and personal relationship with God in a box? Matthew 7:3 says, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" How true this statement is. We are so quick to judge others, but God is ultimately the only One who can judge us all. I don't want to spend my life casting judgements on others and miss the opportunity to work on and better myself. And, I don't want to miss out on the opportunity to show others God's mercy and grace because I'm too rigid in how I think faith is expressed, to understand that it's different for everyone. Do I believe that Catholicism is the ultimate truth -- yes. I believe what the church believes and what the church stands for -- but God knows our hearts better than we do, and He knows who is truly seeking Him and who isn't.

Switching gears a little bit...

In Wedding Crashers, one of my favorite movies, btw, John says "True love is your soul's recognition of its counterpoint in another." I really believe this. I am a true believer in "the one" and I pray for my future husband (FH) every night. I know that God has made someone just for me, and that we are currently seeking eachother. I can't wait for the moment when we collide, when our lives intersect and we can become one. Is this lame? Sappy? Hopeless-Romantic-y? Sure. Well, actually... DUH. I am a hopeless romantic, that's for dang sure, but I still believe this with my whole heart. I have begun to believe that God connects our souls with our future spouse, and that every experience we have parellels that of our husband/wife so that when we meet, the culmination of our experiences has created a person that's perfect for the other. Oh man, I can't wait until the day comes when I know my FH. It's gonna be good. And, all the sacrifice, every tear that's been shed, and every broken heart will be all worth it.


This was a pretty serious post. Hmm... I guess I'm really contemplative tonight, haha. But, life is good! Praise God!

Heart.
-Dania-