I'm not a big fan of organized religion. I believe history is full of illustrations of fighting, killing, discrimination, abuse and societal restraint all performed in the name of God. I can't believe God would want any of that. I think, as Robert Heinlein once said, that a being who could create the universe and everything in it, would not do so just to oppress the inhabitants and force them to worship him.

But, of course, there is a positive side to organized religion: I love the fellowship of the congregation. My own church, Central Presbyterian in Zanesville, Ohio, is a great church. Officially the Presbytery is not open to accepting homosexuality. This is a problem for me, a homosexual. However, the congregation of my church is open and accepting of my partner and me. I cannot be an official of the church, but I wouldn't have time to devote to that anyway. Jon and I help with the church-sponsored lunches and dinners, we contribute generously to the offering, and whenever a call is put out for material donations we fall in line to help.

So now you understand where I'm coming from on the religion front. I believe in God, but I'm not a believer in society's bastardization of His works. I don't think it's necessary to go to a church on Sundays to be in touch with the Creator. Just quiet yourself and listen and He'll get in touch with you.

Take last week, for instance. I had put in a lot of long hours at the office, and by Thursday I was debating taking a half-day. My co-workers and boss were all encouraging me to leave at 11 (I had been at work since 4:30 a.m.). I resisted, but finally agreed. On the way home I called my partner at the store we own, just to check in. I asked if he wanted me to bring lunch out. I had already planned to just go home, take a nap, and maybe d some computer work. But the offer for lunch just blurted itself out. To my surprise, he agreed.

So I stopped at Subway, grabbed a couple of sandwiches, and drove on out to the store. My mother was there, and Jon didn't look happy.

"Your mother is having chest pains."

I handed him the sack, escorted Mom to the car, and drove her to the hospital.

If I had followed my own plans, who knows what would have happened. But instead I followed instinct and left work early, called my husband for lunch, and found out about Mom.

It may have all been coincidence, or it may have been guidance. Does it really matter in the long run? Probably not. But I thank the Creator for guidance and coincidence.