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Wisdom Thought
The change we find needed in the world must be the change we ourselves become.
*Brian K. Wilcox
Wisdom Story
Nasrudin, when an old man, was looking back on his life. He sat with his friends in the teashop, telling his life story.
“When I was young, I was fiery. I wanted to awaken everyone spiritually. I prayed to God to give me strength to change the world.
“In mid-life I awoke one day and realized my life was half over and I had changed no one. I prayed, therefore, to God to give me strength to change those close around me who so much needed the change.
“Alas, now I am aged and my prayer is simpler. “God,” I say, “please give me the strength to at least change myself.”
*Sufi Story
Devotional Thoughts
I, too, have reflected much on my life in these last months. I am pleased at changes I have seen that are the result of slow, sometimes painful, growth over many years.
For example, like Nasrudin, I was much more intense and fiery than now. I can fathom how my intensity and desire to influence others actually scared some and left me, at times, alone and with frustration over lack of response.
Now, I am much less intense. I realize, and am growing to realize more, that being whom I am is the most inspirational factor in creating change. Therefore, realizing Christ and the Fruit of the Spirit within me, and being true to my inner spiritual convictions, is essential to continue to inspire change around me. A work of helping bring positive change in those around me begins not with what I can do with or for them, such change begins with change in me.
This means I get less frustrated in ministry and relationships than I used to. I am more relaxed and can celebrate how God is working in and through me, regardless of how many follow suit. I do not need to measure personal success by the amount of persons who agree with me, like me, or seem to respond well to my work.
Simply seeing Christ grow in me and touching other people in love, without being emotionally attached to some need for a success with them to validate my worth, is a wonderful feeling. Also, this means I sense that persons feel safer and freer to allow me closer to them, for they feel less my need to make them into a project of my own, even a spiritual project.
Remember, the greatest lesson about change we can learn is this: The change we find needed in the world must be the change we ourselves become.
Spiritual Exercise
Reflect on the opening story and, also, the quote of St. John of the Cross. How do they apply to your relationships with yourself and with others? To your service of others?
Brian will respond to requests pertaining to seeking a Spiritual Mentor. He offers retreats, workshops, and classes in such subjects as Contemplative Prayer (he trains in Visualized Praying, Centering Prayer, Christian Meditation, The Jesus Prayer, ...); Contemplative Living; A Spiritual Understanding of the Lord's Prayer; Philippians and Spiritual Community; Spiritual Growth From Matter to Spirit; Spiritual Use of the Scripture.
See any major on-line bookseller for his book An Ache for Union.
For replies and biographical information, and submission to "The Light Shines" daily devotionals ~ a ministry of Christ Community United Methodist Church, Punta Gorda, FL,see next page:
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