Just to set the record straight, most of the religious people I've met on this trip are totally normal and respectful people, not like the couple of pushy, preachy ones I've mentioned on this blog over the last week or so. Their interactions with me are generally run-of-the-mill: a quick "God bless you" or "I'll pray for you tonight", both sentiments I'm happy to hear. And occasionally something more meaningful happens.
I met a couple of guys, Randy and Curt, in a little park by the river in Warren yesterday. They meet regularly to just sit and think and talk about God and the world. They told me a little about their faith and asked if they could say a prayer for me. I said "Sure!" Randy took my hand, Curt placed his hand on my shoulder, we bowed our heads, and Randy came up with a prayer for me, right on the spot. It was a really wonderful moment.
Later in the day they tracked me down on the web and sent me an email, which included a line that's really stuck with me. On contemplating my walk: "We thought what a great way to go about life and remove yourself from the main stream."
I love how these guys make time to share their experiences and work through them together and just think together. Religious or not, the world could use a lot more of their kind of thoughtfulness.
Day 27
Randy and Curt
April 22nd, 2010
Preach it, brother.
nah..thinking is too hard and just makes you more confused….let’s just stick with our shibboleths and nostrums…if you resort to thinking, you couldn’t ever talk with anyone at a barber shop again.
That’s so beautiful, makes my Friday morning a little brighter. I love these stories!!
I am a fan of not only the thinking, but the sharing – its truly my favorite thing to do. Your walks in the NYC were a great way to do that, made even better that it happened to be with mostly strangers turned friends (by around the 8th mile). With another 10 miles + to go, I would have an amazing group of friends to share ideas, memories, and thoughts of the future. Glad to hear you are bringing that experience (and joining it already in process) through the country.
These men are a great example of those who practice RELATIONSHIP and not RELIGIOUSITY. I’m sure God was smiling down on them that day.
My favorite post yet…I love it