When Opportuities Arise.....

............what do you do?

Many of us has encounter opportunities and had to make the decision "should I" or "shouldn't I". Either can affect your life in a little way or a dramatic way. I encountered a unique opportunity a couple of weeks ago while spending time with relatives.

A few weeks ago my cousin and I got into a discussion of Buddhism. Now, don't be alarmed, I am in no ways changing my religious beliefs. We got into this discussion because my aunt had brought a beautiful piece of glass artwork by a famous Chinese Artist. It was a beautiful glass "picture frame" that was surrounded by glass carved dragons on the sides and on top. Inside the "picture frame" was Chinese writings, which I couldn't read. I was commenting to my cousin how beautiful it was and my cousin commented on how open minded I was. I wasn't sure why she said that, but I eventually found out that the artwork was actually a Buddha. Now where we went with all the art work had sculptures of different gods but also of other things such as tea kettles, vases, flowering pots, picture frames, globes, etc. So with all those variety of art work it didn't dawn on me that the artwork my aunt bought was a god.

When I found out from my cousin the art piece was a god, I felt compelled to bring up the subject of Buddha and God. First off, I told my cousin I appreciate art work and have always loved art and architecture and that I see it for its beauty and nothing else. I knew that a dragon was a common symbol for Asians, which stood for valor and strength. Having it represent a god wasn't no where near my thoughts. Then I brought up to my cousin about the different artwork I saw and asked about one particular "god" (just to see where/how they believe in Buddha). I asked about one statue because this particular statue had hundreds of arms. I asked my cousin what does the arm represent (that may sound like a stupid question but it goes to show you how committed I am in my own Christianity). My cousin told me it represented the idea that this god protects many many people. My response? "ok makes sense". It made sense to me theoretically but not in another other way. I mean if I had hundreds of arms and hands I can help in many ways! As I laid in bed talking to my cousin, I couldn't help but wonder about how some people can believe that a carved image can save them or protect them. I reflect on how I have seen them everyday pay homage to Buddha as they probably see me daily pray to my God. As a Christian, it is easy to say "it is so much easier to believe in a God you can't see than in a god who is made of stone and metal". I thanked God that night for drawing me to Himself. I can't imagine my life without God.

Throughout the time we spent with my aunt, uncle, and cousin for the week, I felt a tug from God. I so wanted to understand why they believe what they believe and wanted so much for them to believe in MY GOD. I love my relatives no matter what. One night before bed, I asked my cousin "What makes you believe in Buddha and their powers? Why are there so many Buddhas? Which one is more powerful". I won't go into details of the answer and I'm not sure if I fully understand. About the same time, there was a storm brewing... thunder and lightening. I commented on how I think most of the time thunderstorms are very cool. My cousin told me that she is terrified of thunderstorms and when I asked why, she simply said that she is more scared of what could happen afterwords than the thunderstorm itself. I thought about it for a minute and asked if she believes that Buddha has many arms and can take care and keep her safe, there shouldn't be any fear. All she responded was "yeah, I guess but it still scares me" I simply responded by telling her that thunderstorms can be scary but when you trust in God from above, no matter what happens, you will be safe. She responded with no mores except "yeah". We decided then that we both would respect each others beliefs.

but......it's hard. I so wanted to just find my Kindle and open a scripture passage; but I knew that unless God opened the door, nothing would or could go in. My heart sunk. I felt defeated. I felt like I was not being a good disciple and sharing the Word. I felt crummy.......and brokenhearted. Did I miss this opportunity to share the Gospel just because my cousin wanted to "respect each others beliefs?" but....if I pushed, I wouldn't have respected her s a cousin or even a person? I've never really encounter something like this; it has been something I have thought of since our return from NY.

God presents us with many opportunities......when, where and how we approach it is important. Praying how to handle it is the first step.