Last Sunday, very
early in the morning, a word formed in my mind. I have no idea whether I was awake or still
sleeping. However, it stayed with me
after I woke up. I had a strong impression that this was the beginning germ of
the idea for this newsletter. The word was "BECOMING." In the dictionary when it is used as a verb,
it states, "In the philosophy of
Aristotle, it indicates any change from the lower level of potentiality to the
higher level of actuality." Perhaps Coach John Wooden, the great
basketball coach from U.C.L.A. puts it simpler and better. "Success comes from knowing that you did your
best to become the best that you are capable of becoming."
"O.K.",
I thought. "What am I
becoming?" "What do I want to become?" Those disturbing questions demand more of me
than cursory glance. Doing some serious
introspection, I found one answer to the question of what I am becoming that I
did not like. I find myself becoming more cynical. From the perspective of my worldview, I have
grown to feel that our country is on a hopeless path towards elimination of the
values that made our country great. I
have grown more and more distrustful of our leaders and of our government. I
have become more cynical about human nature in general. On a more positive note,
I am a little more patient and less reactive. I feel I am becoming more content
and relaxed than in the past. Maybe,
just maybe, I listen a little more and speak a little less. In sum, maybe I am
finally becoming a little more mature!
The next question
to ask is "What do I want to become?" My church has a purpose
statement:
"To glorify God by building an authentic body
of Christ followers who are faithfully proclaiming the Gospel and are being
transformed by its power to live and love like Jesus."
So what do I
want?
I want to become
an authentic Christ follower who faithfully proclaims the Gospel and become
transformed by its power to live and love like Jesus.
I want to become a man who:
Loves Christ and His people more
Trusts God more
Gives more grace (cuts people some slack!)
Learns Godliness and contentment
Is slow to anger, listens more, speaks less
(I have two ears and one mouth; I must learn to use them in that proportion!)
In short:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
O
Divine Master,
Grant
that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
(St.
Francis of Assisi)