Contemplating the Miracle of Becoming

 

Who looks back at you from the mirror?

 

What are you becoming as the days and weeks roll by?

 

I've been listening to some CDs of late, and there is a theme in the discussion about our need to focus attention on what we're becoming, rather than what we're getting out of life.  It is a massive paradigm change for most of us.

 

Think of it: what am I getting out of this relationship? Friendship? Job? Church?  The list could go on and on, and I think we've become so accustomed to the thought pattern, we can't even hear what we're missing.

Change the paradigm with me for a moment, and imagine a new you; and ask this:

 

What am I becoming in this relationship?  What am I becoming as a result of this friendship? What am I becoming through the experiences, lessons learned, failures and successes that I've encountered in this job? What am I becoming when I come to church and worship?

 

One of the most valuable and liberating fruits of this thought change is an ability to walk away from  blaming what is outside us for our unhappiness or frustration. By focusing on what we are becoming, we can break free from a bad attitude, from cynicism, and even from selfishness.  The very idea that other people and outside circumstances have the ability to satisfy needs or deliver lasting contentment is a trap that ensnares us, and keeps us from the joy of growing through the moments of imperfection that make up our lives.

 

The same speaker who prompted this thought process in me shared the example of what it would be like to read a book where nothing difficult happens.  We open Chapter 1 of the book and turn to page 1.

 

"Everything is fine."

 

Turning another page, we come to Chapter 2, where we read:

 

"Everything is fine."

 

Puzzled already, we turn the page to Chapter 3, and as you might guess...

 

"Everything is still just fine."

 

Would you bother to read such a book?  Would you be compelled to know more about this story and how it ends?  Of course not.  It's a ridiculous but excellent example of how we wish for what we do not want.

 

Quit wishing for what you want to happen outside of yourself. It isn't really what you want anyway.  Instead, start today and focus on what you're becoming. Whether in good times or bad, heartbreak or joy; the seasons of life are shaping us.  We are engaged, challenged, discouraged and then invigorated once again.  If you wish for better things, turn your attention to you.  Who and what are you becoming?  Invest in experiences and opportunities to challenge you and bring you to new heights.  Plant seeds of learning and growth, and cultivate them with the sunlight of good relationships.  Water them daily with faith and trust and gratitude.  Experience the miracle of growing and becoming, and rejoice in the God who makes it all possible