It all started with a Butterfinger.
Nick and I were at dinner at his Dad’s house and I was talking about how it once took me 40 minutes to eat one of those baby butterfingers. True story. I like to savor shit.
I mentioned this happened during a philosophy class when I was in college and Nick’s father asked me about the class.
He then proceeded to tell us that he took advanced philosophy and we started talking about the famous quote “I think therefore I am.”
This lead into a discussion of the mind and how our perception is flawed. So therefore what we see is basically our own projections based on our own history.
This lead into a conversation about energy and spirituality.
Which lead to a conversation on how man was created.
Which lead into a conversation of religion.
Duh duh duuuunnnnnn.
We started talking about one of the top 3 things you should basically never talk about at a family dinner. Especially when you don’t agree.
And let me just say it was one of the most stimulating and inspiring conversations I’ve had in a while. And here’s why…
We listened to each other. Deeply.
We didn’t try to talk over each other. At all.
We asked questions.
We tried to find the common thread.
It was definitely a debate. Nick’s father and his father’s wife are Christians. Nick and I are spiritual. There are many things we disagreed on.
But never once were the disagreements heated or negative.
Instead they were full of curiosity and the finding of common ground.
My favorite part was when Nick’s Dad’s wife would back up my point of view with a bible quote. The way this woman understood me was amazing.
I would talk and she would listen and then try to make sense of it from her Christian background.
Never once did she misconstrue my words.
Never once did she try to fulfill her own agenda.
And what I began to realize is that our Gods really aren’t that different.
Sure there are some things we view differently. Very differently.
But it’s ok. Truly.
Because at the end of the day we were both talking about love.
Now I know that this isn’t the case for a lot of people that are religious. Some people use organized religion to control, and alienate and shame.
But that’s not the case for everyone.
This reminds me that we need to approach those that are different from us on an individual, case by case basis.
Never assume.
Because sometimes you will realize that while you may not be playing the same instrument, you are still both making music.
And it all started with one little butterfinger.
Never doubt the power of an unhealthy snack. Or a curious opened mind.