When asked to consider how I as a young friend functioned in a non Quaker environment, such as my school, my initial reaction was one of shock. On the surface, I appeared not to influence any of my daily life with Quakerism, something which had been integral to my home and family life since I could remember. I don't regularly recite passages from Quaker faith and practice, in an insightful manor to wondrous year 7's who marvel at the wisdom and faith of my sayings. I don't dutifully commit myself to all tasks with the same presence of mind and assurance that I do when sitting down in meeting for worship.
But after much more careful consideration, I began to wonder if such outward expressions of faith were what Quakerism in my daily life was truly about? Perhaps my faith was providing me with more subtle skills, which I have taken for granted and overlooked in my haste to find something worthy of reporting to Britain Yearly Meeting. I began to deeper examine my daily routines and tasks, and search for those little essences of 'Quakerism' which I've woven into the fabric of my life. I discovered that everywhere I searched; there were little gems of faith flashing back at me.
Take, for example, my duties as chair of the student council. 50 plus students representing 5 classes from each of 5 different years can have very diverse views about something as mundane as what shade of cream the toilet walls are to be painted! So when an issue such as which charity we are to support throughout the year comes up, trying to gather together a general opinion can be a monstrous task. Though in the end, as on most councils, it will come down to a vote, that still means whittling down 10 or 15 suggestions into 2 or 3. Perhaps its tasks like this where my experience a Quaker business meeting comes into its own. It encourages me to feel more confident in discerning the feeling of the council, and though, just like in Quaker business meetings, not everyone comes away truly satisfied with the outcome, my experience helps me take on board viewpoints of all the council members, and more importantly make the right decision for the situation.
Or perhaps as another example, in a situation faced by all young people, exams. When faced with 2 and a half hours of silence, and intense concentration, I often wonder why my friends have such difficulty. It's certainly not an enjoyable experience for anyone, but I feel I am better equipped to coping with what some must see as a mammoth task. My experience of regular silence and concentration makes this an easier journey for me, and not as intimidating as for some.
I feel that it is the little things like this that is truly what expressing the light in my daily situation is, and though life is not always easy for a young Quaker (see Hugh Pypers excellent passage in Quaker Faith and Practice 22.68) our experience in the light truly helps us to see that of god in everyone, at all times.