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A STRONG
FOUNDATION
When I think of my faith journey, it is more of a marathon than
a sprint.
I remember attending Sunday school from about the time I was 3
years old. Later, there was vacation Bible school, midweek
school and confirmation instruction. My grandmother was one of
my first Sunday school teachers. I grew up in the church of my
mother and maternal grandparents. Many of my friends in my small
elementary school also attended my church. It seemed everyone
else attended church - Methodist, Roman Catholic,
non-denominational. I hardly met anyone in my childhood who
didn't belong to a church or at least believe in God.
I am reminded of Timothy, who became a Christian because of his
mother Eunice and grandmother Lois (1 Timothy 1:5). His
foundation came from his family, as did mine.
I am very thankful to my family for taking me to church, making
it a priority and leading me in faith. Then we usually ate
Sunday dinner with my maternal grandparents and visited my
paternal grandmother later in the day. It's not something we
talked about much but it was our routine. Today I sometimes
attend Saturday evening church, which I enjoy because of the
quietness and closeness of the smaller group. It feels strange
to not attend church on Sunday.
Today I am surrounded by people who do not believe as I do. Many
of my neighbors appear to sleep in on Sunday. It is a big
shopping day for many. Do you ever go to Sam's Club or Wal-Mart
on Sunday? You know what I'm talking about.
My co-workers and others in my social and professional networks
are Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and atheist. It challenges me to
think about my faith and ponder what my life would be like
without the foundation built in my childhood and started with
baptism when I was three weeks old. I wonder what it will be
like for my three godchildren in this changing and challenging
world. I can only pray that they, too, will remember the
foundations that their parents and other relatives provided for
them.
I pray that God will help me remember my faith foundation and be
a positive influence for Matthew, Alan and Julie and all others
who may see how I live my life.
Marsha Meili
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