A Fresh Perspective - 11/06/08
Franciscan priest Richard Rohr contends that most of us are circumference people, with little access to the center of our lives. The edges of our lives are not necessarily bad or evil, but they are fleeting and illusory; they lack substance.
When we live for money, pleasure, success, control, or honor and fame, we cannot reach our potential as human beings.
Rohr suggests that the most obvious indication of being a non-centered people is that we become difficult to live with. All our ego boundaries have to be defended - our reputation, needs, nation, security, religion, even our ball team. If we find ourselves getting hurt or offended a lot, that's a good indication that we are not living out of the center.
In a Peanuts comic strip Lucy is sitting in a little booth where a "Doctor Is In" sign is prominently displayed. Of course, Charlie Brown goes to see her. She says, "You know what your problem is, Charlie Brown? The problem with you is that you're you." Crushed, Charlie Brown replies, "Well, what in the world can I do about that?" Lucy says, "I don't pretend to be able to give advice. I merely point out the problem."
When we live out on the circumference we allow others to define who we are and assign our value and worth. We then pursue ego needs in order to feel good about ourselves. Or perhaps we internalize Lucy's message and give up. We drift from one fix, one high, one peak experience to the next to numb the pain.
Living out of the center begins when we claim our identity as children of God. We are accepted, loved, and forgiven. This is our birthright. It is not something we have to earn or achieve. There are no preconditions - no believing the right things or joining the right church. God's love is unconditional.
By faith we claim who we are. We become who we are, living out our birthright, when we choose to love.
Every day we must choose forgiveness over resentment, grace over guilt, mercy over judgment, kindness over intolerance, faith over fear, and hope over despair. When we choose to love we choose to live as the daughters and sons of God.