Four Magic Words

Many years ago I was invited to a Quakers Friends meeting in Olympia, WA.
 I wasn't sure where the building for the worship service was located
 so I ended up getting there a half hour early.

I found the parking lot full of cars so I decided to go in and become
 familiar with the surroundings.

I soon found out that the first Sunday of each month they have a fellowship
 breakfast before the service. I was welcomed in and got some spiritual food
 along with the physical food.

Quakerism started in England in the 1650's. It grew out of the teachings of
 George Fox, who rejected the hierarchy and rituals of existing churches and
 challenged all people to encounter God directly.

 One gentleman explained a little about the Quaker service and what they
 believed. He was also very interested in my spiritual search for understanding.

 It was not judgmental and very enlightening. We had a good conversation.

The Quaker worship service is interesting. The chairs are arranged in a circle
 and there are no ministers and the worship is based on group silence and inner
 reflection.

They believe that divine light is available to all and anyone may
 speak if they feel moved to.

The chairs are arranged in a circle because they believe everyone is equal in
 the sight of God. I was a little surprised to learn that while many Quakers
 are Christians, many are not. Some Quakers identify themselves
 as non-theists and are welcome in this theologically diverse group. The focus
 is that everyone is on a spiritual quest for answers.

Quakers respect the sanctity of all human beings and the equality of women and men.
 They value the diversity in opinions and lifestyles and oppose all kinds of
 violence while seeking non-violent solutions to conflict.

The service starts with silence as everyone seeks an inward reality. Every
 little noise seems amplified. Some spend the hour of silence with eyes closed
 while others tend to open their eyes and look around between periods of having
 their eyes closed.

I personally found not having the distractions and rituals of many churches I
 have visited a nice change. I think I will attend again sometime.

After the service there was a fellowship lunch and it almost seemed like
 conversation was an "abundant explosion" after the hour of silence. There
 was food from Africa there and this was due to another group from Africa visiting.

While we were eating there was some African music which seemed unfamiliar but
 at the same time inviting. One of the people from the ministry in Africa talked
 about the problems they were facing and how they were overcoming them.

One of the people at my table was a woman who had just turned 90 years old.
 She had lots of good stories. She also listened as others talked. I remember
 one story was about marriage and some of the conflicts that can come about
 in any marriage.

She said the solution to most marriage disagreements can be solved with the
 four magic words. Everyone wondered what the four "magic words" were.

She hesitated while getting everyone's attention. She smiled as
she told us, "You may be right".

We all laughed and I later reflected on those four magic words. They are
 indeed magic words and ones I will try to use more often.