Journey and Life: People have to see clearly innavigating their jour...

Journey and Life: People have to see clearly innavigating their jour...: People have to see clearly in navigating their journey through life. They have to move from the notion of feeling superior to being humble...

People have to see clearly in navigating their journey through life. They have to move from the notion of feeling superior to being humble in their daily walk. This feeling will be a recognition that all are truly equal in the eyes of God. Yes, all of us are made from similar matter of the earth. In accepting our humanity persons will identify with the suffering and seek different challenges themselves. To accomplish this quest about what it means to be truly human calls for us to depend on our senses - seeing, feeling, smelling, hearing, and tasting. Of our five senses though, one may be apt to take the center stage in our life. Some may consider the gift of sight as being more important than their other senses.

Henry Van Dyke (1852 – 1933), an American author, educator, and clergyman observed, “In the progress of personality, first comes a declaration of independence, then a recognition of interdependence.” Some people may declare their independence when they mature, become experienced, and more knowledgeable as they progress through life. They may come to such a stage through disciplining their senses. However, like Van Dyke pointed out soon they may realize later on that life is all about community and service, building up the body of Christ, and serving their fellowmen.

Eyes are Essential

Some people resent being stared at and may find this act disagreeable. Others may be suspicious of those who stare at them. To some women especially, staring is considered impolite. They may say that men who stare at them seem as though they are undressing them. This is why there are proper and improper ways of using one's eyes. Making discreet and occasional glances other persons may be a more polite way of looking at someone without staring.

Charlotte Bronte (1816 – 155), an English novelist and poet whose novels have become classics of English literature felt that “the soul fortunately, has an interpreter – often and unconscious but still a faithful interpreter – in the eye.” Although Bronte's observation is somewhat correct; this isn't the entire truth. Most Christians believe that the best interpreter of human behavior is the Holy Spirit. The eyes alone - like their other senses aren't developed enough to ascertain the whole truth from situations. For truth to be authentic, it has to be divinely inspired.

Adjusting our Gaze

As people talk to each other they naturally do this while adjusting their look. Some may do so consciously but at times when they glance at you it's unconscious. During this process a comfort level is established for both parties who are communicating with one another. It has to be remembered that looking into a person's eyes must be not seen as a contest of wills, intimidation, nor browbeating, but as a genuine concern to be understood. Persons who are introverts may be shy, may need special care and consideration from extroverts that have no problems with face to face communication.

Scripture informs us that if that's the case, persons must make an effort of reaching out to those in need of such help. These individuals may be fellow Christians in need of a few words of encouragement, those wishing help in living up to their responsibilities, or others whose gift it is for building up the flock. Members may have to face the church's officials, or members that have backslid. They may have to speak to them in person to let them know their true feelings about the church's policies. These can be examples of situations that may be swept under the rug because of a lack of courage.

Some problems at church may be matters pertaining to family life. John Paul 11 (1920 – 2005), who served as the Roman Catholic Pope from 1978 to 2005 explained, “The great danger of family life, in the midst of any society whose idols are pleasure, comfort and independence, lies in the fact that people close their hearts and become selfish.” John Paul's 11 admonition, may well make it possible for churchgoers to practice their communication skills, so that when issues about families arise, they will be ably prepared to handle them. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit and attuned senses, these Christians will be better able to develop the style, clarity, sharpness, and correct attitudes to affect changes in other parishioners to bring about lasting peace that will be beneficial to all.