"Mature, authentic spirituality calls us into experiences and teachings that open us to an actual transformation of consciousness (Romans 12:2)." - Fr. Richard Rohr, Daily Meditation, May 9, 2016
The first thought I had about being called spiritually into experiences that open us to actual transformation of consciousness was that is the basis for "thank you" to everything that comes to us...but especially those things that appear bad, oh please no, let this cup pass, etc.
Those in particular are the teachings that lift us into a transformed consciousness. We learn that being lifted up is just the barest beginning...even as we feel in that moment as if we just got a forever gift. We learn, however, that it is the footwork, the get-your-hands-dirty digging that comes after that cements our transformation...which takes time because (my theory) ego does not transform. Old Lucy is ever with us, toting that football. Looking for her opportunity to score.
The transformation, the authentic spiritual experience, is cemented when we not only quit resisting Lucy but we cease entertaining her. too. To resist her ("I've got to stop doing that") is to nurture her...to entertain her ("I know what I've got to do") is to breathe new life into her. If that doesn't cause us pause, we're not paying attention.
The pause is the gut-bucket realization that we personally cannot do this...that God can and only God can. That was the quiet word given us at the beginning...we've been arm-wrestling with God and Lucy about it ever since.
I suspect I'm going to be arm-wrestling until three days after I'm dead, but I know to laugh at that today. To love me and laugh with God at me...and love you for allowing me that.
Thank you.
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