As life moves, we move with it. Our minds and bodies develop, change and grow over the years in ways never imagined. With advanced age we grow weaker physically but often stronger intellectually and emotionally, and somewhere within this process our spirituality blossoms and grows.
Our concept of God changes with age. Hopefully, the God of our adult years is a God of mercy and love that guides us through the ups and downs of life, as opposed to the God of younger years, a God of judgment and guilt --- a God that may have come from well-meaning parents and teachers hoping to instill a sense of morality into children and keep teenagers on the right path.
Determining who God is, knowing God, believing in God, is a process unique to each person, but one that changes with our life experiences. We may meet God when we are alone, sometimes in the dead of night, other times walking, driving, mowing the lawn or doing laundry. More often, we meet God in the midst of others, which helps account for the popularity of small faith sharing groups. People seeking to deepen their faith welcome the opportunity to join with others on the same journey.
There are, however, other, less formally organized groups that offer the opportunity to meet God through relationships with others. One such group meets every Thursday morning at my parish. Women of various ages arrive with yarn, needles, crochet hooks and patterns. They come together for two hours to chat, create, learn and share.
The finished products, a far cry from those of long ago, tend to be trendy and fashionable. The "oh's and ah's" are occasionally so enthusiastic that they bring parish staff members out of their offices to take a look. There is a lot of laughing and talking, joking and good-natured teasing.
There are also moments of quiet conversation that go far beyond knitting and crocheting into the realm of faith. These conversations usually begin with talk of family. At such moments, I am aware that God is present among us.
The interaction and caring that flows from this group comes from more than just sharing their love of a particular craft; they are also sharing and practicing their faith. You can see it in their smiles and greetings as someone enters the room. All are welcome, and all will take care of each other should the need arise. That is faith sharing at its most basic and most significant level.
While formal faith sharing groups are a wonderful part of parish communities, there is certainly a case to be made for the other types of groups --- baseball, yoga, walking, exercise, gourmet dinner, book club --- where people gather to share common interests under the umbrella of the parish. In these settings, they think and act a bit differently than if they were doing the same thing without the parish connection. In these settings, it is only natural to share faith --- over a beer after the game, or coffee after yoga class.
Some might call these "lifestyle enclaves" and not real faith sharing groups. I would suggest that, in addition to the common interest among those who share faith, there will certainly be a fair amount of faith sharing. And from this faith sharing there will be recognition of and a connection to God.
"Wherever two or more are gathered in my name," Jesus said, "I am there in the midst of them." He offered no parameters, rules or outlines. It was simple. Sometimes we make it way too difficult.
Anne Hansen is a parent education consultant and a parishioner at Blessed Junípero Serra Church, Camarillo. Her e-mail address is familymail@aol.com.
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