Religion

Editor’s Note: Gloria’s 11-year-old daughter, Julia, wrote the column this week. Gloria will return next week.

Once again it’s my turn to write this column on an election week. While our nation rightly relies on a healthy separation between church and state, it is unhealthy for individuals to have separation between our faith and politics. The question is, which will inform the other. Will we allow our faith to shape our political choices, or will we allow our politics to shape our faith? Are we Christians who vote or are we adherents of a political party who also happen to be Christian? I think the main difference between those two is in how we treat those who think and vote differently from us.

The water parted on either side of the boat as we sped across the lake. The children were enthralled with the ride on their uncle’s speedboat. We sat back in our seats, there was no effort on our part, only pure enjoyment. “Could this be like life?” I mused. “The waters part for us if we learn to sit back and trust our Lord…”

Were you ever told that discussing politics and religion is impolite? I never got that memo. Growing up, dinnertime conversations often included discussions (and sometimes arguments) on both “forbidden” topics. These conversations helped to form me as a faithful citizen. As a Christian, I believe it is a moral obligation for each of us to inform our consciences and participate in the political life of our nation, state, and local community. One of the best ways we can do this is by voting.

“May I? Pleeease Mom!”

In June as the days lengthen and the temperatures warm, a sanctuary grows in my yard. Black raspberry vines given by my neighbor (her father’s favorite variety) prolifically propagate creating a comforting tapestry of green nestled among the leafy ferns, fading bleeding hearts, goofy alliums, and sturdy iris stalks. In early morning or late evening, I love to wander barefoot in the grass to inspect the progress of the nascent berries.

Brother Javin, who is only a year older than myself, was my playmate in growing-up years. Whether it was splashing in the creek, romping in the haymow, or picking endless quarts of strawberries, we were usually together.

The Book of Numbers is not exactly prime devotional material by most standards. It contains a lot of lists, a lot of rules, some really weird narratives, and God often seems to be smiting people. But when you look closely, you can see the richness of Scripture which invites us into the narratives so that we might meditate on them and absorb the beauty and nutrients therein.

What is the most relaxing thing for you to do?

Some say the devil is in the details, but God is involved in the details, too. In fact, the details are what matter the most.