Life has a funny way of serving up opportunities for inquisition and outreach. The concept of growth implies a certain level of movement and humility around the unknown or perceived change.
In her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Carol Dweck explains that while a “fixed mindset” assumes that our character, intelligence, and creative ability are static givens which we can’t change in any meaningful way, a growth mindset thrives on challenge and sees failure “not as evidence of unintelligence but as a heartening springboard for growth and for stretching our existing abilities.”
With that, I welcome you to LIFE, for it is the grand classroom of personal discovery and transformation. Even as moments of perceived failure or disengagement awaken us, so do the moments of non-growth. Movement into the new or the avoidance of, can carry uncertainty and fear.
Do you have a bias for growth? If not, your bias for stagnancy can and will continue to produce a non-variable outcome of discontent and disbelief.
For those lessons learned or shared with us from another’s life well earned, I am drawn to the story and account of the events surrounding the last supper.
During his last formal gathering and meal with his apostles, Christ prepared a sacrament, symbolic of his life and soon to be blood sacrifice that would ultimately seal his mortal death. Even in the midst of known betrayal and a concourse of opposition mounting, he dignified his existence by the way he treated those closest to him and a life well served in honor to the Father.
His pleading and humble request was that they remember Him. That they fix in their minds the way of the Good Shepherd. That not only they remember him but that they learn of him and model his way of being, to perpetuate the growth and opportunity of service this life affords. He understood LEGACY from a pre-mortal existence to a mortal test and ultimate sacrifice on our behalf. He showed us the way.
So too, in our own lives, we have those who will go before us and advocate on our behalf. We have parents, siblings, grandparents, and many other significant influences in our lives that help model the way. For some we share a name sake and for others we are actively creating a name for our posterity to carry on and make better.
Recently my sweetheart shared with our family her thoughts on legacy and the call to each of us to honor the names we bear. Her immediate challenge to each of us, was to look today at the opportunity to stand tall and to own and honor our good name(s).
I speak often of the gifts we have and the challenge to honor those gifts. For many of us, we have had some sort of generational influence and impact in our lives. I remember clearly my grandfather’s funeral, and how poignant each persons reflection was of him and the impact he had for good in their lives. What was shared was consistent across the board. He loved his Savior and he talked often of the redemption and opportunity to truly live with courage and honor each day. It was one of the few times I truly felt the power of what it means to live true.
As I’ve learned to acknowledge and embrace my constant imperfections, and learned to view challenges as opportunities, my life has become rich with an open road of discovery and understanding for others, and a deep love and respect for the journey.
Life is in session. Welcome to the classroom. For those who are embarking on this journey into the unknown, I commend you and run along side you, cheering you on. As well, I thank you for the courage to also set pace for those watching, for we all can improve and grow through your example.
Remember that growth is always a choice.
Until next week my friends, make it a great one, and remember to always...HONOR.THE.GIFT.
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