The Sun Is Closer... Or, We Are Turning Toward the Sun

Pic Credit: Christie Pollet

This morning as I walked my little doggy, I noted that even though it was a brisk 35 degrees, the sun feels closer. I went through the scientific facts behind that thought and realized that the sun remains (relatively) the same distance from earth and thus is not (much) closer. However, as I used to tell my 4th graders, The Reason for the Seasons is the Axis of the Earth. The tilt causes us to be closer and gives us the warmer weather that we so long for currently. (In a few short months we will probably be cursing the tilt!)

OK, time for a metaphor. (If I had a kids' show, I would have some sort of theme song here, kinda like in Blue's Clues during Mail Time.) In our relationship to God and others, we sometimes get cold. In the winter, the earth's axis is tilted away from the sun; in our lives, we turn from God and others. Just as the earth's axis is tilts toward the sun, we also need to adjust our prideful, selfish attitudes toward the ways of God. Until we actually bend down (in prayer to God and service to others), our relationships will not warm up.

Recently, I've been hit with the concept that the highest goal of a Christ-follower's character should be humility. It makes sense, right? Christ, in washing his disciples' feet gave us that clear example to follow.

Pope Francis certainly seems to demonstrate such a humble attitude. As reports came out about his caring acts toward the poor, hope swelled up within me for the 1.2 billion people who call themselves Catholic, not to mention the rest of us in the catholic (meaning universal) Body of Christ. It certainly caused me to pause and consider my attitudes/actions toward those whose lifestyle is different than mine. Would I give up personal safety to touch a small, seemingly insignificant person in a crowd, much less kiss his/her feet? How much am I willing to humble myself?

Jesus showed ultimate humility on the cross. Philippians chapter 2 paints a beautiful picture of this truth. As you celebrate Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Resurrection Sunday, I leave you with this beautiful passage on which to meditate:

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God,
    he did not think of equality with God
    as something to cling to.
 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
    he took the humble position of a slave
    and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
     he humbled himself in obedience to God
    and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
    and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11, NLT)

From One Ragamuffin to Another

Having turned 48 last month, I realize more & more just how fleeting life is. Yet as old as I'm getting, I still revert to middle-school mentality on occasion. For example, if I'm being left out of any event or conversations of friends or co-workers, I am overcome by an inner voice whispering, "They don't like you, Cyndi. They are conspiring to keep you out--forever!" Yes, I am once again that 13-year-old, facing rejection from a group of friends.

That type of rejection hasn't happened to me in my adult days (that I know of) so my thoughts are truly irrational. But why is my self-esteem not secure? By God's grace, I have accomplished much to be proud of in my 48 years of life: I work at keeping my marriage strong; I am extremely proud that my children have grown to be compassionate, thoughtful followers of Christ. I was a professional in the field of education for many years, making a difference in the lives of students; and I am confident that soon I will become a licensed professional counselor, perhaps going on to help many who need a listening ear and someone to guide them to Hope. Why would I cower like an adolescent in certain situations?

I have been reading a book that has been on my "to read" list for decades: The Ragamuffin Gospel, by Brennan Manning. In a chapter describing God's love, he explains how grace through faith has established his self-image:

Justification by grace through faith means that I know myself accepted by God as I am. When my head is enlightened and my heart is pierced by this truth, I can accept myself as I am. Genuine self-acceptance is not derived from the power of positive thinking, mind games, or pop psychology. It is an act of faith in the God of grace. ... The acceptance of self does not mean to be resigned to the status quo. On the contrary, the more fully we accept ourselves, the more successfully we begin to grow. Love is a far better stimulus than threat or pressure. ... When we accept ourselves for what we are, we decrease our hunger for power or the acceptance of others because our self-intimacy reinforces our inner sense of security. We are no longer preoccupied with being powerful or popular. We no longer fear criticism because we accept the reality of our human limitations. Once integrated, we are less often plagued with the desire to please others because simply being true to ourselves brings lasting peace. We are grateful for life and we deeply appreciate and love ourselves.

So I know I am a mere ragamuffin, but a ragamuffin loved and accepted by God. And I can accept myself--as I am--through an act of faith.

Often, however, I am lacking that enlightened head and pierced heart to maintain this truth in my life. I allow the circumstances of life to overtake me. I neglect my connection to the Spirit, Who is able to illuminate my mind (1Corinthians 2:9-11), and the Word of God which can penetrate my heart (Hebrews 4:12). And yet God continues to summon me, gently calling to me, accepting me despite those times I slip into former ways of thinking. I am ever-so-grateful for a fresh start every day--and a new year to listen and follow (John 10:27) my Good Shepherd.

Here's to Living Awake in the Present during 2013! Here's to Daily Meditation and Surrendering! And here's to the One Who Makes It Possible: Jesus, who is both Ragamuffin and King!