Finding Your True Self: A Journey with God
Have you ever wondered what it really means to be a person? Not just a human being, but a person? It's a big question, and it's at the heart of how we grow and find happiness.
Have you ever wondered what it really means to be a person? Not just a human being, but a person? It's a big question, and it's at the heart of how we grow and find happiness.
What Does it Mean to Be a Person?
Imagine you were made in the image of someone amazing, someone who is full of love. That's how we are, according to our faith!
We are made in God's image. But sometimes, we get caught up in ourselves, thinking only about what we want. This can make us forget how to truly love others and God.
Being a "person" means learning to love like God loves. It means letting go of being totally focused on ourselves. When we do this, our hearts can grow bigger, making room for God and for everyone around us. It's like our hearts become a cozy home for others.
Life's Journey: Three Steps to Growing Closer to God
Life isn't always easy, and our journey with God has different stages, kind of like a long trip.
- The Honeymoon Stage: When we first connect with God, it can feel wonderful! Everything is new and exciting, like a honeymoon. Prayer feels easy, and we feel very close to God. It's a beautiful start, full of hope.
- The Wilderness Stage: After the honeymoon, things can get tough. It's like walking through a dry, difficult wilderness. We might feel far from God, or like our prayers aren't being heard. This stage can be painful and confusing. But guess what? This is actually a super important time! It's when we learn to truly trust God, even when it's hard. It's where our love for God becomes strong and real, not just based on good feelings. It's a chance to grow up in our faith.
- The Promised Land Stage: If we keep going through the wilderness, trusting God, we eventually reach a place of deep peace and understanding. It's like entering a promised land. Our love for God is steady, and we see life with new eyes. We become more like the loving person God made us to be.
These stages are not as linear as they sound. Think of them more like trips around a mountain, winding up through switchbacks. Often, you come back around and think, "Man, am I here again!" but look down. You'll see you've actually gained elevation and are further up the mountain.
This is a wonderful feeling. Seeing the progress. Take heart, even recognizing you've been here and knowing what to do about it is evidence of grace and maturity.
When Things Get Really Hard: Turning to God
Sometimes, really tough things happen in life – like a big problem, a crisis, or something that causes a lot of pain. It's natural to want to avoid this pain. But these hard times can actually be a special chance to grow.
Think of it like this: when you're in a crisis, it's a moment to make a big choice. Will you turn away from God, or will you turn to Him? Turning to God means letting go of your own plans and trusting that He has a bigger, better plan, even if you can't see it yet. It's like jumping into God's hands, knowing He will catch you.
How Spiritual Guides Help
People who offer spiritual care are like guides on this journey. They don't just try to "fix" problems. Instead, they try to be present with you, listen carefully, and help you see things from God's point of view. They encourage you to open your heart, especially when you're hurting, and to turn to God. They know that true healing and growth come from connecting with God's love.
It's a journey of learning to love more deeply, to trust more fully, and to become the amazing person God created you to be. And every step of the way, God is there, ready to help you grow.
Want a deeper dive on this topic?
If you’re interested in the deeper dimensions of Orthodox spiritual life and pastoral care, Leaping into the Hands of God: Lessons from My Teachers on Hypostatic Spiritual Care by David Alexander is a thoughtful and challenging read.
Drawing hypostatic spiritual carerooted in humility, presence, and participation in Christ’s love. Rather than offering abstract theory, the book shares lessons learned from spiritual mentors and real pastoral encounters, showing how weakness, vulnerability, and compassion become places where God’s grace is revealed.
It is particularly valuable for clergy, spiritual caregivers, guides, and coaches, as well as anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how Orthodox theology shapes the practice of caring for others.
