Can a baby still be a baby and while being raised wrong, still grow into an adult? Yes, if basic physical needs are met, a baby will grow into a physical adult. Whether or not that adult can function psychologically and socially depends on his or her upbringing. So it is with Christians. Peter Wohlleben, author of The Hidden Life of Trees, writes, “A tree that grows quickly, rots quickly and therefore never has a chance to grow old.” How do trees grow the strongest? Surprisingly, too much sunlight and too much easy, fast growth does not produce healthy trees.
Most young tree saplings spend their early decades under the shade of their mother’s canopy. Limited sunlight means they grow slowly. Slow growth leads to dense and hard woody trees. In contrast, something interesting happens if you plant a tree in an open field: Free from the shade of bigger trees, the sapling gorges on sunlight and grows too fast and too easily.
Fast, easy growth leads to soft, airy wood that didn’t have time to densify. And soft, airy wood is a breeding ground for fungus, disease, and ultimately a short life. Sadly, this is the story of many of us who you have grown in nature but lack growth in nurture. When we buy a piece of land, we feel that we own it, we begin to have a sense of ownership. But think for a moment, if you really own a land, or whatever, how come the land continues to exist after you are long gone? People who live or have a strong sense of entitlement are still babies, they are immature babies walking around with adult bodies. Imagine if such persons become our leaders, spouses, children or teachers?
The story is told about an elderly American Indian who went to a church service one Sunday morning. The preacher’s message lacked genuine spiritual nourishment, so he resorted to a lot of shouting and pounding on the pulpit to conceal his lack of preparation. In fact, as the saying goes, he “preached up quite a storm.” After the service, someone asked the Indian what he thought of the minister’s message. Thinking for a moment, he summarized his opinion in six words: “High wind. Big thunder. No rain.”
When as Christians, we realize that we have no rainy experience in our lives, then we must accept that we are living in deception despite all the thunder that surrounds us. If we are not careful, we will only strive to make ourselves and the people who depend on us HAPPY rather than make them HOLY, we will make them FEEL GOOD rather than make them FAITHFUL and GODLY. We must be careful not to encourage just EXCITEMENT and avoid true EDUCATION.
These are signs of a generation that is immature, like trees that have grown so fast but not so mature because they did not live under the shade of their mother’s canopy. Imagine if such persons are voted for, appointed as, or imposed on us in the name of majority decision?
It is said that, as you climb the mountain of maturity, you will certainly spot immaturity a mile away. The question remaining is, will you choose the new path or keep to your path? Our society and world that many of us have built around today puts great emphasis on “how do you feel?” as being more important than “what should we do?” Many of us have gone from a sense of duty and responsibility to a demand for services and entertainment. It is tragic! Do you remember the story of “Peter Pan?” He was a boy who refused to grow up, just like our society today and sadly just like many of us. And yet we present ourselves for leadership, relationship and business opportunities without considering the damage or danger we are to society and humanity. The true hero in life is someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his or her freedom and teaches others to imitate them in word and action. You can be that hero if you are not satisfied with merely telling stories but being the story that people tell to bring about positive change. Unfold your own myth!
May Your Week Not Be Weak But With Him. I Send You My Prayerful Wishes. From Fr.Ray@accGh
