During our winter break we traveled to
the Caribbean. While we were there we snorkeled every day. When sitting on the
beach enjoying the warmth of the sun and looking across the ocean it is impossible
to see the beauty that is beneath the surface of the water. Even when I entered
the water to swim I could not see what was beneath the surface. In order to see
this beautiful world of astonishing color, of the various fish and coral, special
equipment was needed. I couldn’t wait to don my mask and flippers so that I
could see this world which was directly below the surface.
That has been my experience with the
multi-faith efforts that I have been a part of throughout the year. On the
surface there have been Haven Interfaith Parent (HIP) meetings; moderating Interfaith Events,
Multi-Faith Events and Interfaith Forums; changing the name to multi-faith from
interfaith; attending religious events; helping design a multi-faith room at a local hospital and speaking at various locations. But
the true beauty of these different events lie beneath the surface.
As in snorkeling there is special
equipment which is needed in order to see the beauty beneath the surface of all
these endeavors. The tools which I have discovered which have helped me to see
this beauty have included convicted civility, dialogue, and promoting social
inclusivism. Throughout this blog are postings on each of these topics. In
using these tools in multi-faith dialogue I have seen a beauty which has deeply
impacted my life. Thank you to my many
friends of other faiths and to those of my own faith, who have helped me learn
how to use these tools. It has been a beautiful year.
Roman 3:18, “If it is possible, as far
as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
