Honesty plus Vulnerability equals…

The paradox of becoming mature

How can we keep our minds on the main thing, our relationship with God, in our everyday habits of life?

Matthew 6:33-34

 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

I often minimize these verses by allowing my anxieties, the tyranny of my ‘to do’ list, or the loud cultural voices fog up my vision of the kingdom.  My eyesight gets skewed by my self righteousness, the sins of my compassion measurements.  I often think I’m better than….but a few hours later I’m condemning myself for not measuring up, never good enough.  Jesus seems to be saying that I need to focus on my here and now responsibilities of the day, taking care of what I can control.  Yes, today’s agenda prepares me for tomorrow but we can only live one day at a time.  Acknowledging His powerful presence assures me of Psalm 23:6 -  “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

The rhythms I establish today will help me tomorrow.  Practicing His presence clears the fog, minimizes the competing voices of power politics, possession acquisition, or cultural comparisons.  His presence, the power of His word, and the continuous renewal of my mind, provide a peace that passes understanding.  At the same time, His presence is searching for where His kingdom is moving, looking for His righteousness, not my own.  In the process of my search, my character is transformed, renewed and refreshed, regardless of the anxiety and trauma of the moment.  

Can the goal of growing in Christ become a focus of self analysis, sacrificing doing good for others?  Can we become narcissistic in our practice of faith?  I’m thinking there has to be a balance. I could become a monk in lifestyle, but I’m not that much of an introvert. Prayer and fasting are profoundly impactful, but so is involvement with others, especially with those who need help. 

You would think that wisdom is built on an accumulation of information and experience.  That may be true in many circles of work, especially in careers of finance, law, medicine, and education  but the ultimate level of a wise person is far more than reaching the heights of a career.  Many accumulate power, possessions or a career position only to discover emptiness.  Can our inner drive for success end in meaninglessness?  Can you invest your entire lifetime pushing an illusion of self fulfillment?

How can you avoid the entrapment of missing what you thought would bring fulfillment?  I’m convinced that we often miss the importance of teaching ourselves and others the values of honesty and vulnerability.  We have missed the mark by emphasizing the ‘self made’ person, hiding behind a facade or image of being ‘put together.’  We work hard to develop our reputation and resume for the next opportunity, becoming entrenched into measuring our progress with standards that only compare ourselves to the other guy.  

How can we protect ourselves from the disappointment of missing the mark?  Do we need to redefine success, revise our calculations for progress to be successful?  

So, back to you. I find myself wondering what you might need from me. What might be helpful for you on your journey of moving from self-protection to real connection—with yourself, others, and a God who is safe. I think about you often.

So, I practice honesty. Sure, I'll keep doing some research and try to deliver things in a way that complements (or goes against) the nature of our day and time, but I'm going to prioritize showing up in the only way I know how as a writer—the way I would if we were sitting down for coffee or sharing a meal at the table.

There are many of you that read More to the Story. Way more of you than there were at the beginning of the year. And I don't take that lightly, which is why I think of you often. You're part of the reason I've been talking with folks in the publishing industry. You're part of the reason I'm working, in the margins, on my first book proposal.

I suppose this letter is somewhat of a thank you note. A way of me slowing down for a moment to express my gratitude for this community of people and to tell you what I hope you experience by hanging out here.

More importantly... to remind you to choose honesty over what others say you should do.

And I hope you can find meaning in whatever season you find yourself in.