Betty

Not long ago an acquaintance, who was casually interested in knowing something about Quakerism, asked me if I found Meeting inspiring.

Inspiring? I hadn't exactly thought about it that way. At any given moment of Meeting I am as likely to be dozing or daydreaming as I am to be experiencing transports of inspiration. On the other hand...

I love coming to Meeting because in that hour of silence I can set aside the daily busy-ness of life and simply be attentive to the "bare bones" of what matters most to me, sustained and nurtured by a faith community that shares values about which I feel passionately.

I love Quaker thought because of the importance it accords to individual conscience and because the Quaker testimonies - integrity, unity, equality, simplicity, peace, and community - offer a foundation for a meaningful life while they encourage a lifetime of exploration and personal growth.

As a relatively new Quaker, I am still moved by the insightfulness, warmth, compassion, and nurturance that I see Quakers bringing to their human interactions, both within the Meeting and beyond it.

I explained this to my friend. "Well, that sounds inspiring to me!" she said.

I guess I have to agree.