So Tom had his first 'Protestant' communion last night.  It was really interesting.  Tom and I come from such different religious backgrounds.  He grew up Catholic, and I grew up... not Catholic.  It's a fascinating collision of belief systems.

When I went to Tom's parents' home for Thanksgiving, we went to the Catholic Church.  We couldn't take communion because he hadn't confessed, and I hadn't converted.  It was interesting.  I must say that I was a little disappointed that I couldn't partake of the rite that I had partaken of all my life.  It didn't set well with me.  Tom and I have had many discussions on religion and what our belief systems are.  Religion is so powerful, you know?  I do admire that Tom has an open mind and wants us to find common ground in our religious practice.  But last night was interesting...

At first, Tom didn't think he could partake because he's Catholic.  I let him know that as long as he is Christian, he is welcome.  It was very different than what he's used to.  And I don't think Tom likes the music at this church very much.  I come from a Pentecostal/Charismatic background.  I enjoy singing and praising.  Tom doesn't.  I don't think he quite understands why I get so caught up and raise my hands and look crazy like that.  I'm sure I look pretty strange to him. 

Tom and I are so different.  But I'm learning to be tolerant.  I used to have such strict beliefs.  I guess all religions think they're right.  But now, I understand that everyone is different, and everyone's perception and experience of God is different.  I have to respect that.  I've just come to a point in my life that I don't value 'religion' anymore.  I don't like judgment, and I don't like people thinking they have a corner on God.  God is too big to be put inside a box.  I just enjoy my freedom too much.

Some of my Evangelical friends from my 'other' blog are beginning to find me here in my new blog.  I'm pleasantly surprised that they continue to embrace me even though I have gone in a different direction in my life.  Are we progressing as believers?  I hope so, because we tend to be just a little too closed-minded.  I live in freedom, and I respect others who live in freedom from judgment. 

So Tom and I are figuring it all out.  He took communion from someone other than a priest.  And I'm learning to accept the complexity of myself and the complexity of God.  It's an interesting journey.