I Believe

I believe that there is a divinity. I believe that the divinity is simply too vast for any human to fully comprehend or understand it. I believe that each of us has our own individual understanding of the divinity and what it is. Some may believe in a single God that is the creator of all. Others may believe in a trinity such as the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Others may believe in a duality such as the God and Goddess. Still others believe in a multitude of Gods and Goddesses. Regardless of what each may believe, and how different the beliefs may seem to be, I believe that the individual beliefs and understandings of each person is right and valid for that person at this point and time in their life and soul evolution.

Some may believe that it is necessary to attend an organized religious worship service in order to gain favor and acceptance by the divine. To others a solitary time in quiet contemplation is more acceptable. Some believe that celebration of the divine should be quiet, dignified and solem. Others feel that they should celebrate in a more "boisterous" manner with song, dance and shouts of joy. Whatever they believe, it is right and valid for them.

Some see the divine in a church or synagogue or temple. Others see it in the universe all around them, in each flower petal, each raindrop, each grain of sand or insect, in the power of the ocean, in each star blazing in the night sky. Some hear the divine in a church choir with voices raised in praise, others hear it in a baby's laugh or in a bird song. Some feel the divine in a child's hug or in the cathedral silence of a forest glen. Wherever anyone finds the divine, I believe that is valid.

I believe that we express the divine through our love for others, through our acceptance of others and their beliefs, and our respect for others regardless of whether their beliefs are similar to ours or not. I believe that we express the divine when we aid others on their spiritual path, even if that path seems quite different than our own or when we help others overcome problems in their life, whether we are thanked for that aid or not. I also believe that we do not express the divine when we try to help others when that help is not wanted. Although our intentions may be good, each of us has free will, and if someone else is happy where they are, then our best path is to leave them in their happiness unless and until they ask for our help.

This I believe.