Beneath the Surface

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.”