It is difficult to predict the moments in life when our self-perception will be refined. Some moments are clearly intentional, as one sits down to meditate on what is important in life. Most, however, occur with no outward planning, in the routine strides we take each day.

Two days ago there was a knock on my door. The Jehovah's Witnesses were canvassing my neighborhood. Many people, at this point in my story, groan. But Witnesses have never really bothered me. They are called by their faith to share what they believe to be the truth. I've only encountered a few who came off like salesmen delivering the hard sell spiel. Most are very respectful and honest in their desire to share their faith.

And, really, I enjoy hearing about what people believe in. I also enjoy asking questions. So I particularly enjoy those Witnesses who are solid enough in their faith to field the questions without being offended. This was the caliber of the two women who were on my doorstep this time. And through their sharing, questions and answers to my questions, provided me with an opportunity to refine my own belief.

Their first question, as per their script (it's the same no matter who is knocking), was "Do you read the Bible?" And then, "Do you believe the Bible to be God's word?"

I answered truthfully, "Yes, but I'm not a Christian" and "No. I believe it is full of wisdom, some garnered from enlightened individuals, but still written by man." It's at this point I can determine what sort of individual I have standing on my doorstep. Are they going to be aghast, like the Baptist minister who almost fell off my doorstep? Or will they try to argue? Or are they going to be willing to listen, validating my right as an individal to seek spirituality as I need?

These two ladies paused a moment to take in what I had said, smiled and asked, "So what faith are you?" Ah... so the invitation to a respectful conversation was received.

I pull my belief from many sources. I don't have a label that defines my beliefs. I am a Unitarian Universalist; no creed, no doctrine (except that of being open and respectful of each other and the earth). But one can not, on hearing Unitarian Universalist, put me in a niche or particular belief. So I have a label that defies labels.

"Oh! So you are agnostic!" exclaimed one of the women.

I smiled, "No. Not an agnostic."

I have a personal relationship with God. I have been on my knees praying, and have had my prayers answered. I don't question if God is real. But neither do I assume to be able to define what God really is.

"So, do you celebrate Christmas?" asked the other.

"Oh yes. To be honest, Christmas was more about the gifts than anything else, for a long time," I answered.

But Christmas is the celebration of birth, of rebirth, of existence, of the warmth of the sun returning. I have my doubts of it being the *actual* birthday of Christ, but it is a celebration of birth of a great man. This world has been deeply affected by Christ. He deserves to be celebrated. But that doesn't make me a Christian. I believe he was an enlightened man, no more the son of God than any of us are. I believe there have been many enlightened people on this earth. Some have left their legacy for us to learn from; Lao-tzu, Buddha, Muhammad, Lal Ded, etc. (I could spend hours and hours researching this!) Many more lived humble lives, lighting the way for those around them, and quietly left this earth with no celebration.

"But if you believe the Bible, as God's word, then you'll know..." and at this one of the Witnesses begin to share scripture with me. I know that they accept scripture as fairly literal. I listened respectfully, enjoying the intent behind the words and their sharing of them.

With a smile I say, "While I believe the Bible to contain great wisdom, I also believe it has been written by man, changed and manipulated by the authors to meet the needs of the time."

They paused, agreed that man has certainly misused the content of the Bible, time and again. But in their faith, it is the word of God. This was a sticking point, one which we silently agreed to disagree on.

The conversation went on to more neutral things; homeschooling, caretaking, parenting.

Then one Witness asked, "So, are you familiar with Revelations?"

They believe we are living in the end times. I don't. So we discussed the prophecies a bit, which brought us back to the sticking point.

I did concede some interest in the topic, as there are many end of the world prophecies. They intrigue me. But I can't embrace them. I think it is far more important to live in the moment, not live for something that *might* happen. They nodded, accepting my answer.

They shared their publications with me then, leaving them for me to read and ponder. And then smiled, thanked me for my time, asked if they could come again, and said goodbye.

I am glad they rang my doorbell. It offered me the opportunity to find the gaps in the explanation of my belief. It's not accurate to say UU's believe everything, as some flippantly do. But we are open to possibility, and are certainly respectful of the many varied paths to spirituality.

I need to do some reading, brush up on the Bible a bit, pull out the other sources that inspire me, and be ready for the next round of questions.

And remember to be open to those moments.