"To Be Perfect is to Change Often"

"To live is to change and to be perfect is to have changed often"
Cardinal John Henry Newman.

Change is an inevitable part of life. It is a constant reminder that life is dynamic and ever-evolving. It is a continuous journey calling us to leave our childish thoughts and ways and to go deeper into the "Ultimate Mystery," the "Source of All Life," and the infinite "Ground of Being" that we call "God." As the Apostle Paul stated, "When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things" (1 Cor. 13:11).

Ultimately, the goal of embracing change and transformation is to become the best versions of ourselves that God intends for each us to be. Each moment presents us with new opportunities to experience, to learn, to grow, and to evolve into a life that is God-centered rather than self-centered. For in God, "we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28).

By embracing this reality as lived, taught, and modeled for us by Jesus Christ, and guided by the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, we can approach life with a sense of openness, wonder, awe, and hope, ready to adapt and evolve. This mindset allows us to navigate the uncertainties of life with grace, courage, and resilience, trusting in God's abiding presence and unconditional love for each of us.

To change requires honest self-reflection and a willingness to acknowledge the areas in our lives that are harmful, limiting, or life-draining to ourselves and others, and that need to be changed. It requires us to surrender to God and trust in God with courage and determination.

It is about a deep, internal shift of letting go of old ways of thinking and being, and opening ourselves to transformation through the Holy Spirit, embracing new perspectives and behaviors that align with God's will for our lives. This might involve breaking free from negative thought patterns, habits, addictions, and harmful relationships, and adopting healthier behaviors, or stepping out of our comfort zones to pursue new and more life-enhancing opportunities that God presents to us.

Embracing change and transformation is a lifelong journey that begins with each next step. It requires a willingness to let go of the familiar and step into the unknown, trusting in God. But as we do so, we open ourselves to the incredible possibilities that God has in store for us. Let us commit to this journey with faith and trust, knowing that God is with us every step of the way, guiding us towards an abundant life of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment.

Take time to reflect on whether there are any habits, mindsets, or relationships that are harmful to you, or limit your potential, or that prevent you from experiencing the fullness of life that God desires for you? By identifying these areas, you can begin the journey towards being transformed by God with attitudes that are life-giving and life-enhancing, both for yourself and for others.