The Questions We Sometimes Ask 

Our very competitive society can sometimes be very precise about what is defined as failure or success. I remember the feedback I once received from an interview, in which I was judged to have talked myself out of the job through being a little too honest about what I was able to do. Although this apparent failure proved no more decisive to my status and occupation than other things I have done, I still find myself challenged by what exactly constitutes success.

At times, to count the number of participants, select your moment and then quickly pose for a group photograph does not seem quite enough!

So much of life’s experience is well outside our control and when a sense of justice or entitlement raises our expectations, life can seem very unfair.

Confronted by uncertainty, we sometimes need to adopt a new perspective. Instead of speculating about the prospects of failure or success, flavoured with a dose of worry, we could just ask ourselves what seems like the right thing to do. Our Community picnic for example, is almost impossible to predict. There are so many variables. When asked, or expected to fill in the booking forms, I have no idea how many people will choose come, or quite what happens when they do! 

For me, the willingness to provide interfaith opportunities has become an act of faith. Whatever the outcome, I do not doubt that our community picnic in quite challenging times, to promote peace, friendship, and community cohesion is the right thing to do.

Sometimes people ask whether you have to be a person of faith to take part in an interfaith event. This could be achieved through having a religious background,  by reasoning or as a “gift” you have received. Although faith can sometimes be about identity, knowledge and religious background, it may also be about purpose. We just happen to believe in each other. Faith empowered by love becomes an infinite resource we may confidently give it away.

The question, “Do you know what the weather forecast is going to be?” reminds me of a previous picnic which took place during a violent summer storm. As a spontaneous team effort, we held on tightly to our gazebo to stop it blowing away. Although most of us got absolutely soaked, we learnt from the experience, began asking better questions about our events, and there was definitely a funny side to holding a community picnic in the rain.So please consider yourself invited because we have faith in what we are working to achieve, are so proud and grateful to be part of the Reading community and have absolutely no doubt of our faith in you!

Sarah Griffin