God in the Everyday–Fr Mike Delaney–Two Experiences (Fr Mike is invited to join a family for a Saturday lunch as a birthday celebration for a lady he has known for over 40 years. As the extended family arrive with their cards and presents and as I watched her listening to the grandchildren’s stories, I was reminded of a night sitting round a campfire almost 40 years ago as I enjoyed the company of her family in a camping ground at Port Arthur. On that night, her father had asked the children to share their answer to a question that he posed. No-one jumped in to give the answer – they waited until the youngest gave her answer. Then each child, from youngest to the oldest, made their contribution, each adding to the wisdom and understanding of their siblings. As I watched this now grandmother ask each child to tell their story I felt that I was blessed to be able to experience these two events so many years apart but so similar in their execution. As we grow in our faith journey, we should be able to add something to the conversation – but I wonder if we allow people the opportunity to make their contribution. The next time a conversation starts pray for the grace to listen and the love to encourage the person we’re talking with to share their story and their faith.)
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