How do I know.

How do I know? You can't imagine how many times I have been asked that question. Believe me it is not because of things like the picture to the right. I'm happy that I graduated from seminary because it made it possible for me to be a priest and have so many people share their lives with me. I did learn some things during all of that education stuff I but not the answer for people who ask, "How do you know?" You see that question is most often asked when someone doesn't believe you could possibly know the answer. They ask that often when the issue relates to faith. I could certainly give people the theological answer and it wold be right, but would not be satisfactory for them unless they have faith. Faith is an experience which makes the answers make sense. Do you have someone you love? Prove it. Does someone love you? Prove it. Is there a friend you would completely trust? Why and are you sure? You see you only have your experience to know that someone loves you. Facts are not available, proof is not within your grasp and yet you know don't you. I know I love Marsha and she loves me but proof is not around. "Experience is the best teacher" is an old and wise saying. In the realm of faith and the realities of my Christian journey the answer comes from my personal undeniable experience, and although it is not a satisfactory answer for those who have not had the same experience, it is no less real. My son in the picture was a "Deadhead". He followed the Grateful Dead for a summer and experienced their concerts. I can see in him an experience that he can't explain to someone who hasn't been there. He can even play me their music and I can't grasp what I see in him. His experience creates this reality for him but not for me. So when people ask me "How do I know?" I just do.