When someone has a passionate interest that we do
not share, we might have little interest in hearing them talk about
it at great length, but we can still take joy in the joy it gives
them.
Even where we have been hurt and cannot engage in
romantic love, or where romantic interest is no part of our own
makeup, even where we have been traumatised by that in which someone
else is interested, we can share their joy.
This is also true of another’s relationship with
the object of their religious life, of their relationship with and
understanding of the Divine. We can uphold and be upheld, take joy in
their joy, help them in their struggles in and with faith. We can do
this even where their relationship and their understanding is
different to ours, even where it is associated with pain in our past.
It may be difficult, but we are called to difficult things. It can be
difficult, but it can also be a wonderful source of joy, of love, of
learning, and even of healing.
Written February 2019
