Eric

Eric and I have been together for almost 20 years (married for 17).  During our 20 years together, we have had many conversations about spirituality, living Christian lives and church.  Neither one of us were raised going to church.  My grandfather was a baptist preacher, so my dad grew up in the church.  Once he moved away from home, he stopped attending church (or at least while we were children).  My dad would send me to Reverend Love's church for Sunday school when I was grounded or in trouble, this did not leave a good impression on me about church.  Eric's mom attended church, but mostly took his sisters, so he had very little experience in the church growing up.

Eric and I have always been sure that we would one day take the journey to find a church home for ourselves and our children.  We both have strong beliefs about being humble, kind, loving, compassionate, generous, and connected to our community.  We believe that we are blessed to have each other, our children and our glorious lives.  We have weathered some difficult times and it was our belief that these trials were messages to us, letting us know how fortunate we were to have survived our difficulties and remain intact.  We have instilled these same beliefs in our children.

Several months ago, Eric started talking about his spirituality, church and Christianity often.  He kept telling me that he felt as if he was receiving signs from god that he was truly blessed.  Eric was feeling the need to be close to god, pray, and honor him for his plentiful gifts in our lives.  At first I was a little stunned at Eric's strong urge to be closer to God.  I had always assumed that we would approach this time in our lives together, but I was not at this path yet.

As Eric's feeling became stronger, he made the decision to being to attend bible study once a week.  Each week, I would wait for him to come home, so we could discuss what he had learned and talked about  with others at bible study.  I want to know what he is feeling as he enters into this new phase of his life.  Although I am not there, I want to support him and allow him to continue on his journey towards god.  Eric is not rushing me to come along with him, but he is informing me and sharing his new knowledge and thinking with me along the way.

Two weeks ago, Eric was Baptised.  I was not there for his Baptism, as we decided I was to attend a college information night with Gabby.  Sinobia and Eric's entire family attended (even uncle Brian was there!) his proud moment.

What I love about Eric is that I don't feel left behind because of his new journey in his life.  I believe that he was meant to go first, to help usher me in the right direction.  He understands how strongly I believe that this needs to be my journey when I am truly ready.  I do not want to make this huge step in my life because I feel pressured, or the need to do what others are doing.  I am not one to follow the crowd or be swayed easily.  I make up my own mind in my own time...when it is my time, the right time.  Eric will be with me, holding my hand every step of the way.

So now he's off to church on Sunday mornings, when we are usually sleeping in, drinking coffee together,  or watching TV.  I'll miss him in the AM of Sundays, but know he'll come back a stronger, wiser and better man.