The thing all beautiful things have in common? Imperfection. In my opinion, beauty is perfected by flaws. Flaws proclaim uniqueness, reveal intimate details of the journey the object of beauty has taken to arrive where it is in time and space. It allows me to see the world through someone else's point of view.
Growth is beautiful too. Not just the kind you see. The kind that comes from learning new things. New things that take root in my heart and produce a harvest.
I feel most fulfilled when -
- I am learning, growing, and sharing what I've learned and how I've grown.
- I experience beauty in a new way and I can share it with other people.
Maybe God put me here to find beauty, learn from it and share it with other people. Maybe. I'm still trying to figure that out.
The thing I've discovered about learning & growth - I have to want it more than I want comfort, to save face, or be right. It has to matter more than my ego, or my right to place blame.
It happens exponentially when I intentionally seek it, and live in a posture of openness. Openness to feedback, information and new perspectives. This involves listening without interrupting, and refraining from the instinct to be defensive. Allowing information to come in, without feeling the need to volley it back. It means continually turning toward others, instead of turning away when sparks begin to fly.
Iron doesn't sharpen iron because it's soft and frilly. Sparks fly. There is heat. Friction.
Openness has to co-exist with discernment. Not everything flung at me will be something I should soak in and take on.
I've learned to 'try things on' in my head. To imagine putting it on like a garment and what life would be like to wear it. How would I feel? How would I treat others? What would my relationship with God look like? This allows me to think about it and process the information in more ways. Ways that I might not consider by just looking at it on the rack.
Slow down. If it's right, it will still be right tomorrow when I've had time to calm down, process and create space to discern.
When I feel the instinct to do something RIGHT NOW, I take that as a sign to pick an appropriate amount of time to remain neutral. When that time is over, if I still believe the belief/action is right, I take the first step. While intentionally remaining open to feedback.
All of this is done in the context of being connected to the True Vine. Being plugged in, fed regularly, nourished properly and filled with the Spirit, empowers me to make decisions in wisdom and discernment that comes from God.
Growth is possible and beautiful. It's how I encounter God on a daily basis. It's how I experience beauty in the world around me.
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