This is something I wrote just prior to my baptism on Easter Vigil last year:

Finding the Right Path

When I was a boy my parents thought it was important that I was old enough to choose my own path as far as religious beliefs were concerned, so they did not have me baptized. Instead I was taught about the various world religions. I learned of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. I also learned about scientology and energy. Though I learned of many religions I always considered myself Christian, though I was a Christian without a church or a real path.

I joined the military and while in I found that I really enjoyed the multi-denominational services they offered. There were no holier than thou stigmas as I had experienced from various people from differing faiths to be found in the multi-denominational services. This was a good experience, yet still not what I was truly looking for. It was not a clear path for me and not really all that I was looking for.

After I got out of the military I went back to school and became reacquainted with one of my childhood friends and mentors who later became my wonderful wife. She started bringing me to St. Paul’s. I really liked it, but I lacked the focus and was not ready to see it as it truly was, the path that I had been in search of. It took several years to figure out. We were what I like to call “Holiday Christians” and attended several services during the requisite holidays, like Christmas and Easter, but I still was not getting the point. Now I know I was being led here.

My wake up call was after we enrolled Jeremy at St. Albert the Great Catholic School. Along with his regular studies he began religious education and started asking questions of us. His questions and experiences at his school woke me up! I realized a desire that had been simmering on the back burner for awhile. It was time to go back to St. Paul’s and take a good look with my eyes open and my awareness peaked.

I found what I knew was here at St. Paul’s, but chose not to recognize. I found my path to God. We’re old friends and always have been. It’s just that our friendship was never truly realized by me until I started coming to St. Paul’s and praying and communing. All the parishioners are welcoming and the services are inspirational to me. I have chosen my path and it is here at St. Paul’s. It is a good path and one that I want to share with my son. My son and I will be baptized this Easter Vigil and I am excited and anxious for this new beginning. 

This is a continuation written today: 

Moving Forward

            Now it has been a year and I have been confirmed in the Episcopal Church and regularly attend St. Paul's. I went through confirmation with my dad and my wife. It's been a joy learning more about Christ and a blessing having him in my life.

            The last five months have been very hard and if it wasn't for the strength I find through Christ I would be completely lost and I doubt that my dad would be alive. My dad has been very ill with congestive heart failure, diabetes, and cirrhosis of the liver topping the LONG list of ailments. He has been forced to retire with no retirement and is in and out of the hospital all the time. I know the nurses in two ICU's by first name. Financially he is in really bad shape and it has fallen to me to try and get his property sold and pay his bills with what little social security he has.

            All of this has been and continues to be a trial that is easier to bear because Christ takes the load that I can not. He has answered my prayers on many occasions and my love for him has deepened to the point that I KNOW he is there for me and for others. He gives me the strength to do what I have to do for my family with more so that I can help others and spread his good word. I am still learning and have a great journey in front of me but I am walking with him in and around me showing the way. I stumble and he is there to catch me. I err and he still loves me and guides me back to truth. I weaken and he strengthens me. There are so many things Christ has done and is doing for me. All I can do is my best to help others that need help and spread his word to those that will listen. For those that won't listen I will show by example. Christ is there for all of us. It is just that some still need to wake up and listen.