Hidden Things

We all carry it within us; supreme strength, the fullness of wisdom, unquenchable joy. It is never thwarted and cannot be destroyed. But it is hidden deep, which is what makes life a problem – Huston Smith

How does one lose touch of one’s strength, wisdom, and joy?

Is it the sands of time, simply pouring down that glass funnel grain by grain that drains us imperceptibly as we slug our way through life’s daily drill? Is it inattention, carelessness, erosion, or corrosion?

Do we lose touch, or do we simply fail to plumb the depths of our souls to reach and tap the resources that are there, hidden beneath our feet (pun nearly intended)?

Whichever the case, the character traits we most desire are there. They are available to each and every one of us. We can bear the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, happiness; or we can bear the fruit of hamartia (human hubris, or sin): sloth, lust, anger, pride, envy, gluttony, or greed.

When looking to see which fruit we will bear, it is helpful to note that the fruit we get depends on the tree we plant. No fig farmer plants fig trees with hopes of growing almonds. Likewise, no one sowing discord should expect to be rewarded with peace.

The Bible teaches us that we were created in the image of God. I don’t worry about whether or not God created us in six literal days, six figurative days, or over the course of millions of years.

God is eternal, so I don’t think God was in an all-fired rush to finish the project in less than a week; and considering how we turned out, if God had rushed us into production, perhaps it would have been wiser to have taken a bit more time in the design phase of the operation.

God doesn’t make mistakes, so I am satisfied knowing that we are here and that our purpose in life is to reflect the glory of God and to bear fruit fit for the King (by which I mean YHWH, not Elvis).

Now, getting back to our topic (hidden strengths, wisdom, and joy), it seems that our goal ought to be one of finding those characteristics deep within that enrich our lives and fortify our ties with one another. How do we find them? How do we regain them if once we have lost them? Can we regain them? Can we find them? Are they there, or have they gone away, lost, broken, and forever destroyed?

I truly believe they are there, just as surely as our body has muscles. They may atrophy from lack of use, and yet if one goes about exercising, muscle mass can be restored to the degree one’s body is able to do it (all things being equal). The key to building physical strength is a proper diet, drinking plenty of fluids, exercising, and getting adequate rest for repairs and restoration.

Likewise, the key to recovering one’s inner strength, making wise decisions, and finding greater joy in life is to know those treasures are there. They simply need to be fed, exercised, and nurtured in a community of compassion and caring.

If life is such a routine that you’re unaware of the presence of supreme strength, wisdom, or joy, it is possible that you have come to a plateau; having leveled off you are no longer challenged by things that come your way. It is also possible that you haven’t actually hit the plateau, but have simply stopped climbing – perhaps “given up” on ever finding peace, joy, or the thrill of accomplishment.

It is at that point one would do well to consider engaging in a stretching exercise. What would you like to do, but don’t think you have the ability to accomplish – at least not without some help?

I do not think it is an accident that people live in communities (husband/wife, families, neighbors, and nations). We were made that way – to cheer one another on, to lift one another up, and to be more than we can be when we’re alone. So find someone who may share your passion for that “thing” and see if you can’t work together to accomplish it.

See if it doesn’t make you stronger, more confident, and (perhaps) more joyful in this, our world. Peace, friends.