Change

Many years ago when it was strongly suggested to me that I needed to “change” my ways. I thought, “Change. Who wants it? Why do I need to? What ways of thinking or acting do you refer to? What’s the point, anyway? Oh, I suppose there are a few little things which MIGHT be improved, but, on the whole, life’s pretty good right now, isn’t it? If it ain’t broke, why fix it?” The persons recommending this to me might as well have been expounding in Greek. I considered myself of at least average intelligence, but for the life of me—FOR THE LIFE OF ME [little did I know tha’s EXACTLY what was at stake!]—I couldn’t see any reason even to entertain the subject. Denial was rampan: I hadn’t a clue!
Eventually, after years of sharing groups, therapy, retreats, conferences, and prayer, the truth began to dawn: the only evidence of life is growth. This requires 1. an open mind, 2. an honest look at myself, and 3. a willingness to make serious alterations in my attitudes and behaviors. This is work of the most profound, noble, and productive sort, because through such efforts God effects miracles! St. Paul referred to it as a new mind, Job chronicled a new life, AA calls it serenity, and Jesus mentions being born of the Spirit. Aren’t they different expressions of the same phenomenon?
Jesus was the inspiration and agent of this change, but I had my part too. It began with self-examination, then confession, then repentance, then asking him, with all the earnestness I could muster, to change me. And, by his grace, the process started. It’s still going on!