I don't need a single book to teach me how to read

I feel exhausted today; completely spent. I have never noticed the sense of getting older before, but I feel it now more than ever. And I'm not sure how I feel about it, either.

On NPR yesterday, I found myself completely involved in an interview with the Episcopalian Bishop who is openly gay. It's shameful that I don't know his name. Normally, I find little interest in listening to religious folk - particularly those who hold high church positions - but this man is someone I am actually inspired by. I don't necessarily admire him because he's not afraid to be all of the things he is without apology (though it's a factor); what struck me is the entirely practical approach he has to leading a spiritual life.

When asked how he responds to hateful remarks or challenges to his faith because of his gay status, he answered like a normal person. No rehearsed bible verses or platitudes; he simply said that he responds often angrily in the presence of those he trusts and then tries to be forgiving. He said (and I'm paraphrasing), "I believe God loves us all, and if God can find something about this person to love, then at least I should be able to think of that person as one of God's children if nothing else." And he admitted that it doesn't always assuage his anger to think this way, but that he tells himself this not to be righteous but to make himself feel better. He also talked about prayer in a practical way as well. He said he didn't need to tell God what is wrong in the world or to ask for anything; instead, he spends his prayer time simply meditating, by "letting God love him" for a little while.

There's something wonderful about this man and what he is putting out into the world; I love that he sees what he does in a real way and that what he had to say didn't sound like church. It sounded like a person who had found some peace in being himself and focuses on what's good in the world and how to spread that positively to others. No preaching. If only we could all be so balanced. I wish I lived anywhere near this church; it's one I might even consider going to.

And that's saying something.