The story...
Listening to Simply Red's song, "Holding back the years," seems to emote feelings that abide deep down inside me. Those welled-up, brain-triggered, emotions remind me that I'm wonderfully human - a "seeker." A unique creature who's loved by our Creator in Christ; yet, made out of rascally stuff. I'm a better man when growing in relationship with other characters who're journeying through this epic story of life with me.
We all know that the years can't really be held back. The "saying" that "change" is the only constant in life probably isn't a fundamental axiom - it hasn't changed. Change is worthy of considering as it can help us hold people and things more loosely and focus more on the essentials of life. As we change, what are we growing toward?
How does this relate to the only church in town? I expect that the church will work best when people are allowed to be less guarded and more fully okay with who they actually are. Maybe, they won't feel the need to fit in with the group by putting on one of those acceptable masks that might be ready and stacked up next to the front door. It'd be a place where you could be the best version of yourself that's both kind and open to kindness - lovingkindness.
Just for today...
"To me, maturity includes:
- Accepting love from others, even if I'm having a tough time loving myself . . .
- Having an opinion without insisting that others share it . . .
- Forgiving myself and others . . .
- Caring for people without having to take care of them . . .
- Accepting that I'll never be finished - I'll always be a work-in-progress."