The third, but most important “person” in any relationship…GOD!

Sometimes in a new relationship, it’s easy to become enveloped in each other and forget about almost EVERYTHING else!  In fact, sometimes it can feel like the relationship itself is your whole world.  I’m so fortunate that I met my love through choir at our awesome parish, St. Paul the Apostle.  Faith, for both of us, is incredibly important and something that was not always a priority in other relationships in the past.  It really makes all the difference when you can come back to that central point of faith.  It’s truly a gift when you can admit, I’m gonna fall short a lot, and when your partner can admit that they’re gonna fall short a lot, and that only with God and faith and trust will we survive this thing and this life.

I’ve talked a little on my blog about being gay and being Catholic, but there is a whole new dynamic when you involve a significant other.  Being Catholic there is a lot of fear entering into a relationship with another man.  I have to think about, what message is this sending, am I scandalizing my brothers and sisters in the Church, etc.  I want everyone to know that this is not something that I’ve jumped into lightly.  This is something that I’ve been truly discerning for years.  My conclusion, I’m happier, healthier, and most importantly – closer to God and my faith when I’m in relationship with someone.  And ultimately, I hope that by being closer to God I will be closer to all of you as well – to be freed up to reveal more of my true self as a child of God to each of you.

Back to the fear I mentioned.  This time around, dating a wonderful guy, in prayer I’ve really felt our Lord affirming me…BE NOT AFRAID, BE NOT AFRAID, BE NOT AFRAID.  And that’s really why I’m sharing here.  We can all get caught in judging, but we really really really have to leave that part to our Lord.  We certainly have to pray for each other and advise each other, but leave the judging to God.  One of my favorite lines from a Sara Groves song says, “I can’t even judge myself, only the Lord can say, well done.”

Together, let’s look to the Lord, who brings each of us closer to, everything.

EVERYTHING

I’ve got a way with words
They stampede like a wild herd
Til they’re tamed and rearranged
I’m not everything

You know the way of silence
Still and stoic like a picket fence
Til it’s saved by the sound of grace
You’re not everything

I’m not everything
You’re not everything
But together we’re onto something
That feels like everything
Everything

The weight of your love caves me in
Til you gather the pieces again
I will break and you will break
We’re not everything

I’m not everything
You’re not everything
But together we’re onto something
That feels like everything
Everything

When we’re alone I pray
I can hear him say
Be not afraid
Be not afraid

I’m not everything
You’re not everything
But together we’re onto something
That feels like everything
Everything