I am working this week in chunks of time in the early morning and late evening with a few exceptions. Otherwise, I’m playing with the grandkids. As they get older, I am reminded of some of the stages of growth in maturity of a human being. Sometimes we forget. Some people never progress.
By two, kids are walking, talking, interacting, but often they just follow their impulses. So, to socialize them, you try to channel their impulses and teach a few life lessons. By four or five, it’s time that they begin to realize that following nature’s impulses may not be the best course. It’s time that they see the impact of their words and actions on others–and how that reflects back to them.
So the grandson is learning self-awareness. You know, it’s when you start something–maybe you start getting mad at someone or something. And it just builds. You just can’t stop. You need to be able to see yourself and recognize what’s happening. Then pause for a time and let yourself come back into balance. Blogger Rex Hammock calls for giving it five minutes.
As I study Spiritual Discipline–or as John Ortberg recently called it, Spiritual Practices–I become ever more impressed with the basic need for self-awareness as something that comes before the practice. How do I feel? With whom do I have issues? Have I let something gain control of me? Where do I stand toward God at this moment?
Faith Venture 
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