Day 75 - Maturity
Scripture focus: "This is the meaning of the parable.The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature." Luke 8:14 NIV
Maturity - the state of being fully developed in character and powers; complete in detail.
Our new friend and her three hapless children had never heard of concepts like recovery, restoration and renewal. They'd never attended a church service or an AA meeting. They lived isolated lives. In the world of addiction fights and squabbles often lead to cutting off ties and drifting away from folks. The children are too young for public school, but when they attend, they're going to feel like aliens. It's hard to feel a sense of belonging in a community where kids have customized lunch pails, matching clean clothes, and awesome school supplies when you show up dirty and supply-less. These minor material malfunctions can be alleviated quickly. Clothes can be purchased, baths taken, supplies bought and lunches purchased. A good sponsor or spiritual advocate will gladly coach this woman in the ways of establishing an orderly household. After a few meetings, she'll learn what words she shouldn't use in polite company, and another friend might tutor her in financial management. Sobriety might provide the blessing of entry into the job market. Good things can start coming to this family in a matter of days, weeks and months.
Maturity takes longer.
While her community puts on the full court press and assists the entire family in many ways, this mom will be in hearing and heeding mode. If her program of recovery progresses like many, she'll be an eager student and an avid learner. After years of "less than" living, it is invigorating to make some positive changes and see transforming results. As time passes, life's worries will continue to pop up. A new job will mean disposable income - and that represents opportunity. This blessing is a two-edged sword. It can pay the rent and feed the children and even buy some winter coats. But it can also regain entry into the world of substance abuse. New jobs and new responsibilities also bring new stress. Stress is a potential trigger for relapse.
Many of us find that the road to recovery is narrow but not straight. Bumps in the road may lead to relapse. And although we hate the word and the experience, relapse is indeed, a part of the process. I hate to say it and I know you hate to hear it. But it's true. Relapse understood in the proper context can actually be an essential tool in the maturation process. It can expose chinks, weaknesses and soft spots in our program. I know tons of people who have many, many years of sobriety. And I love that! Usually those clean years are preceded by a series of starts and stops. Certainly you don't hear me saying relapse is a good thing! It is not. Relapse is risky business, and for many it's the last experience they have on planet earth. Let me be perfectly clear - relapse is not inevitable, but it is likely - until we learn how to manage stress, out-maneuver cravings, and find our grand epic adventure.
The state of being fully developed in character - complete in every detail - means that we've matured and have lots of tools, resources, principles and support systems in place - all designed to provide us what we need in order to not only find our way back to God, but also our truest selves. Ask around. The older and wiser among us can honestly say that maturity is not about never having worries or temptations. Maturity is all about growing up in our salvation - becoming big hearted people whose soil is fertile ground of God's seed.
Recommended reading: Numbers 23 in the morning; Psalm 57 and 58 in the evening
1 comment:
I guess the answer to my last post is summed up in this one ... maturity. Maturity seeks out those who need a listening ear.
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