We are always growing in a dying body.

With age, the clock rotates faster and the awareness of body degeneration increases. It seems the only thing that is growing is flab and nose hairs.

While I remain in my body, I intend to grow more like Jesus.

It is the time in my life to be.

Up until now, I was too busy to be. Upon reflection, most likely my action-oriented self could have made more “being” room during my doing years.

It is a refreshing thought to think of myself as still growing.

I am having the time of my life reading, writing and thinking. Who could possibly believe how much fun it is to be 66 and read Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn? It is hard to believe I am only now reading the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Both Mark Twain and Dietrich Bonhoeffer have remarkable views into the holy.

With the backdrop of life’s experiences, Scripture is radiating new light into my soul. With the eyes of age, I am finding new insights that increase my limited understanding of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

With time “to be” I find that when I think and study about some of the “thus says the Lord’s,” taught to me as a child—with honest intent—are mere tradition. Some are good traditions even though they do not rise to the point of authentic Scripture. The important take away for me is that as I grow, distinguishing between traditions and Scripture clears my vision of God and reality.

I am still growing. A lesson to which I always gave lip service was one of being able to learn from anyone. The truth is too often I only applied the lesson to commentaries for sermon preparation and I carefully sorted through them to support my preconceived conclusions.

With age, I came to see that in fact anyone could aid in my growth. It is incredible to know I can grow from listening to Republicans, Democrats, Independents, CEO’s, and even Baptists.

If my commitment is to God and to becoming more like Jesus, I have nothing to fear in learning from others. At this point in my life, I should be able to sort truth from fiction. Moreover, if from time to time I do get truth and fiction mixed, I trust God to grow me from my mistakes.

I will not always get it right. I am still growing.

Stay tuned. – Gary J. Sorrells