I walked into a quiet room, alone except for comfortable sofas, books, and art. I found myself confronted by a bust of David. I reflected on stories attributed to the historical Biblical character. I found myself considering the person I know in the darkness of the night. It is a combination of heart, mind, and soul that comes with a range of personas, good, bad, and ones that I would like to deny I have ever revealed to others.
The paradox is an old one. It is reflected across the generations, a variation of Paul’s words; “What I don’t understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise.” (Romans 7.15)
In wrestling with life’s honesty, in awareness, the lessons that are shaping my day ahead include the following.
My aspirations speak to what I could be. Understanding that dreams and visions are hope-filled possibilities, gives me a clear target that guides and benchmarks my progress. I do not need to be discouraged by the distance between where I am and where I hope to be. Life is a journey, not a destination.
Weaknesses and failures create opportunities for learning and growth. Each is, for me, a driver that shapes my action plan. In my weaknesses, I find my calls to be kind in all that I do, to live with compassion and empathy, and to be fully present so I am intentionally taking a step forward in the present. As I see the ideals of divine unconditional acceptance in love, specifically present and absent in my heart and soul, I hear my call to be more than I was.
Whatever my persona is in the moment, it is not the foundation for my self-worth. Divinity tells me I am a child of God. At my best or at my worst, Divinity says I am always part of God’s family. My worth is defined by God (it’s priceless), not my actions (less than priceless).In seeing myself, I see what I can be, each a Divine child.
