On becoming a hermit...

It's not by choice, all though I sometimes think that the idea of a convent, at least the seclusion of it, would be a wonderful thing.  Too bad I'm a techno-hermit!  I like my internet, video games, movies and television.

I'm currently taking a class on the Gospel of John.  I'm 2 weeks from completing the course with a very high grade.  I excel in school which is something I never thought would be true.  Not only do I do well in college, something many a teacher, parent and friend said wouldn't happen, but I enjoy it as well.  Every since the moment I gave myself to God, I have only had things work out for me, except for one thing....relationships.

Let me make it clear, I am not the type to preach or push my religion on others.  However, I am a disciple of Christ and I feel no shame in it.  On top of that my life is pretty much revolving around scripture, church and trying to understand who I am in relation to my Creator.  IT'S A BIG DEAL TO ME!  I'm not going to school for accounting nor am I pursuing a degree in literature or history (not that there is anything wrong with those paths); I am chasing God.  I would think that people who are my friends and family would be supportive rather than standoff-ish.

I thought when I read in scripture of Christ telling us that the world would hate us for being His disciple, that He was really talking about historically or talking about Christians in non-Christian countries were people are still persecuted.  I did not realize that He was telling me that people I have known and loved would turn from me even though I have only changed for the better.

It makes me sad; for myself and for them.  I have found so much comfort and peace in the arms of my God, religion put aside.  I don't party any more.  I rarely drink.  I am working too hard to better my life to spend my time on a bar stool.  So, now my best friend of 20 years has no time for me.  My BEST friend.  It's sad to me that she's so attached to booze and her party friends that she doesn't care anymore about what's happening with me.

peace,
Nirr