BELIEFS, FEELINGS, preferences, and favorites. These are all little perks of living. Isn't it wonderful that not everybody likes the same things. If I want to drive a Honda, so be it. You can drive whatever pleases you. I don't have to change. If I want to study law, you want to study religion, and our friend wants to study nothing, those are options we are entitled to take. I believe my personal religion is just that- my option, my belief, my preference. Nothing makes me turn away so fast from a conversation as when someone spouts his or her religion in a "preaching or converting" way. That's more repulsive to me than the person telling me he has the perfect insurance policy that would benefit me and ten generations of my heirs. I want to live and work and chat with people who leave me alone with my personal beliefs.

Our personal religion is a right, a freedom, and a privilege thanks to our forefathers. There seem to be parts of our country and some religions that teach that everyone should be converted. Who has been to heaven and returned to tell us the "real story" on which religion is the best? Who decides who is wrong and who is right? The Bible has various interpretations. Who is going to be absolutely sure that his belief is the one and only, and that all others with varying preferences are pagans, sinners, or losers.

My religion as a young person was Congregational, but when my sister and I decided we wanted to go to the Methodist services partly because there was an active youth group and partly because we were needed to sing in the choir, my mother said, "It's fine, as long as you go and believe, and practice". Then when my husband, daughter, and I moved to Omaha, we attended a Congregational Church again. My father, who didn't go to church much, had his own religion, which he explained to me in one of our chats. My father said, "You probably think I'm not a religious person. My religion is in how I live. I don't cheat anyone. I am honest and kind to my fellow man, I try to be a good father, and I help people along the way who are having problems. Your mother and I care about people and try to help our neighbors who are ill, or have been injured by a farm accident. I believe that is my religion". I'm sure that kind of living is right with everybody's God.

When my husband was having lots of problems health-wise, and spending lots of time in the hospital, the hospital chapel became a place I frequented. It was quiet, peaceful, and worshipful. Now, my favorite chapel is my deck in the early morning when the mists are still on the lake and the ducks and geese are making their low, waking up noises. I can hear the leaves of the trees rustle, the sound of an auto taking someone to work, and the sounds of birds welcoming the morning. It is quiet and reverent. Sometimes little baby frogs jump on the bannister of the deck to join me. The doves are adding their solace to the quiet. It is peaceful. Later in the morning, the ducks and geese become so noisy that I think they are enjoying their own prayer meeting.

People have options, I have options and my preferences, and everyone has a right to an opinion. Sometimes, I go out on the deck when the big round moon is shining down in all its glory and making beautiful reflections on the water of the lake. Mother Nature I'm sure of; my own personal beliefs I feel sure of; other people's beliefs are just that to me, other people's beliefs.

My husband in his later years had a severe hearing loss which made it impossible for him to hear a sermon, or the choir, or the prayers. In those years, I believe his beliefs were a lot like my father's had been. I never heard him say anything to hurt anyone's feelings, to criticize, or to change them. He was more like my father, with his beliefs and preferences kept in his heart, not out on the sleeve. He carried his beliefs as his personal options. A person's beliefs did not matter to us; their way of treating their fellow man, their approach to life's problems, and how they felt about other people did make a difference. My husband had faith. It showed when he was faced with some serious medical procedures, which he confronted with courage, but which frightened me He had faith. He had every faith that each operation would be O.K., not to worry. Faith shows in us all in many different ways. We find it when we need it most. The belief that brings us that faith is personal and ours to have and to hold.

Many family circles have been broken because of differences. Many parents have chosen to not accept certain people into their family because of beliefs. Many employers have been prejudiced; many teachers have been ignorant of other preferences; and many loves have been interrupted because of a difference of ways to show faith and to love God. What a waste! Life is too fleeting to lose that much happiness.

I think it is wonderful that we in this country have the privilege of all these options in beliefs and preferences. Otherwise, where would we find a meeting place large enough to hold us all? In some other countries, wars are fought and people killed in the name of religion. How sad! Even ending people's lives does not change their beliefs.

What's mine, is mine! Even if you think I am making a mistake, leave me alone! Leave others alone, also. Religion is not to be worn on the sleeve, or advertised to the highest bidder, or sold for any price. It is to be cherished and practiced not just on one day a week but every day.

My little chapel awaits you. Come, sit, reminisce, meditate, and let your thoughts meander. There is an extra chair for you. You are welcome, no matter what your persuasion. The ducks and geese don't care, and I don't care. The mourning doves will be our choir. Come! Enjoy! Be worshipful with me.