"started imagining what was out there, beyond the physical world" (S40)

started imagining what was out there, beyond the physical world. At first, it had been a feeling, an excitement at the prospect of having something meaningful to live for - something to wake up to every day, someone to talk to, a coherence through which to perceive the struggles of every-day life. Then came practice. Jesse used to think that belief was a matter of reasoning, a set of logical propositions forming one whole, a path towards the true and the divine. But ideas only get you so far. No matter what Jesse did, these ideas would not prevail against every problem. Then one day, Jesse decided to return to the roots, to experience what it was like, to get over the prevalent stereotypes, and go to church. Sitting at the back, Jesse listened to the priest, copied the movements of others, mumbled a few words in response, remembering them from childhood, and looked up to the tabernacle. After a few such visits, Jesse decided to get more involved, and learn more from others, rather than from mere observation. And there it was, shaping up all around - Jesse's meaning, found in a community steeped in it. Looking up often at the tabernacle, Jesse started to understand - He also struggled, He also fought temptation, He also had responsibilities, He also laughed with and cried for others. And He was there for Jesse.