Find Religion

My boyfriend’s parents recently closed the deal on buying a piece of land. They’ve also finalized the plans with a contractor and within a month or so will break ground on their new house. They currently live in a very nice area and own a very nice house, but they’ve worked hard for the past 40 years and have now saved up to buy their dream home. And it’s going to be a masterpiece.

Yesterday, I talked with you about the concept of “no pain, no gain.” Without the effort of going on a spiritual journey, you can’t have the rewards of finding peace with yourself, life, and the Divine. This journey can (and should), last your entire life. However, don’t forget that at some points, it’s OK to stop and build a house.

Think of your spiritual journey as a renter’s situation. You test religious schools of thought and constantly move from one idea to another. It’s a lot of work, but you have to live somewhere, right?

But, when you find a neighborhood you love and have worked hard in order to afford it, why not build a house? Your spiritual house can continue to change slightly (think of it as remodeling or building additions or adding a pool), but to have a house means that you’re pretty solid in your faith and ideas.

Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of advocating for a spiritual journey? you may ask. Not necessarily. Remember that it takes years of hard work to be able to afford a house that you really love. You shouldn’t settle for something cheap and shoddy, just like you shouldn’t settle for a religion that doesn’t perfectly fit you. It’s also ok if your house doesn’t look like every other house on the block. Think of a religion as a homeowners’ association–they have certain rules that you have to follow (ie, a Christian believes in Jesus), but you can also deviate a bit to make your house (your religion) your own.

What’s the advantage of building a house? Some people never quite find what they want, and that’s ok. Your spiritual journey can last until the day you die. But when you have a house (religion), it’s easier to have guests (talk to others about your beliefs), easier to decorate (mesh out your exact beliefs and specific ideas), raise a family (talk to your children about the Divine), and, in general, be happy. Having a house can be a wonderful thing.

Don’t jump into things too early, but also don’t be afraid to say “Yes. This is what I believe, and where I fit. I am a *insert religion here*.” Don’t be afraid to build your house.

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