Growing Up

Well there hasn't been much time for blogging as of late.  What with 2 weeks of Hebrew (thankfully finished now), a youth building full of raw sewage (almost cleaned) and life in general.  So I am not really sure where to begin or what sort of update to offer, so instead I will give you a Dallas Willard quote that I absolutely love.  (Though this quote comes from a a different book, I was reminded of Willard's unique ability as I have started reading Renovation of the Heart)

I believe my two kids are daily reminders of the truth of this quote.  We always know what they are thinking and feeling.  It cannot be hidden.  It's amazing how I lose this ability myself.  Somewhere along the lines we become adept at "growing up" and masking things.  Well now I'm just butchering Willard's quote, so I should just quit writing and let you read the quote.  Hope you enjoy...

Interestingly, “growing up” is largely a matter of learning to hide our spirit behind our face, eyes, and language so that we can evade and manage others to achieve what we want and avoid what we fear.  By contrast, the child’s face is a constant epiphany because it doesn’t yet know how to do this.  It cannot manage its face.  This is also true of adults in moments of great feeling—which is one reason why feeling is both greatly treasured and greatly feared. 

Those who have attained considerable spiritual stature are frequently noted for their “childlikeness.”  What this really means is that they do not use their face and body to hide their spiritual reality.  In their body they are genuinely present to those around them.  That is a great spiritual attainment or gift.

--Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy