Question: I have two adult children that I raised with my partner. My daughter has no interest in church or any “religious” services, and my son is an atheist. My son surprises me most as there were many times in adolescence that only divine grace kept him alive! My son is a good parent with this one exception. I feel bad for what my children and grandchildren are missing. Any advice?
Answer: I share your appreciation for the religious community. I love the people I worship with every Sunday, and the bonds of friendship that are formed when people pray and play together. But of course, your adult children must make their own choices. What often happens is that people come to a point in their lives where they miss something positive that regular worship and service provided in their lives, and then they “come home” to religion. But remember, their sacred value doesn’t depend on church membership. They are loved by God just as they are loved by you, and that love is unconditional and everlasting. As you pray for your children to be happy, well, and fulfilled you can trust that the spirit of Love is guiding them in the paths that are right for them. God has a wonderful way of meeting people where they are, even if where “they” are isn’t quite where “we” are at the time. Remember, “wherever we are (including your children), God is, and all is well.”
If you have questions about faith, the bible, the church, or sexuality & spirituality, you can email your questions to durrell@sunshinecathedral.org, or go to the Ask the Reverend Durrell Watkins page and click on the link there. Rev. Durrell Watkins will answer your questions and publish the answers here and in the weekly SunBurst. Your name will always be withheld, so only the actual question and the response will be published.
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