" ... we are built on a foundation not our own" (p 51).
Do you ever stop to think about all of the people who contributed to making you you? From your parents to your teachers to your coaches to the authors of the books that have shaped you and the writers of the music that soothes you?
We are built on a foundation not our own: "With a divine mud pie, God shapes and molds us in God's likeness .... The Master Builder whose carefully poured foundation is what we build on top of now. It certainly feels like a template for the rest of our experience" (p 52).
Instead of needing to claim our right (as Western American Christians) to be the architect of our own destiny, we can instead rest in the incredible relief and assurance that "Our only job is to build on what we've been given, and, even then, even our gifts we can trace back to the creativity, generosity, and foresight of others" (p 53).
"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." - Sir Isaac Newton, letter to Robert Hooke (p 55)
Pastor Allison
I'm curious:
From "A Good Enough Step" on p 55 ...
Whose foundation are you standing on? (They include a list to get you thinking.)
Take a minute to whisper a prayer of thanks for your foundation. Or, if you are able, send them a note of gratitude.
2 comments:
Their list of helpful people is far more thoughtful and comprehensive than mine. A lot of family members helped to shape me, along with teachers and writers. And I didn't know the "shoulders of giants" saying came from Isaac Newton!
Stopping to remember that we are not responsible for making ourselves allows me to have more compassion for people who may be a pain in the neck. I can say to myself, this annoying person might not have had good guidance:)
For sure - that's a great way to extend grace to others.
Of course, we bear some responsibility for who we are as adults, but that foundation is so critical. Some people have to work harder than others to overcome the foundation that was laid for them.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
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