Outside in or Inside out?
This past month, I was captivated by the winter Olympics. I’ve always loved sport and what it brings out in myself and what I believe it can teach and bring out in all of us. The complete self-giving and dedication that it takes inspires me. This Friday, the Paralympics start. I’ve been looking forward to this perhaps even more than the Olympics. Years ago, after reading “Fully Alive Discovering What Matters Most”, a book about Timothy Shriver’s (Chairman of the Special Olympics) journey, my view and experience of those with disabilities shifted. I moved from a place of discomfort to a place of humility and a new way of seeing. One of Shriver’s lessons he learned is “the greatest freedom is in being unafraid of the judgement of others.” The readings today reminded me of how much I do care about the judgement of others. Like Jeremiah, I care what others say about me. Like James and John, I too would like a seat of importance in life. But both perspectives are an “outside in” view of life, love, and worth.
However, in today’s gospel, Jesus reminds me that true “greatness”, true life, is found in the “inside out” view of life. It is in the disposition of my heart and the generosity of self. Instead of focusing on the outside voices, positions of power, or societal affirmation I’m reminded as Shriver states so beautifully, that “with my "one wild and precious life”: [to] charge into the world with fearless enthusiasm, bearing the simple gift of myself and sharing it recklessly and gratefully and peacefully wherever and whenever I can.” If I could truly learn to live this way, perhaps I could come to a deep knowing that we are all totally vulnerable and totally valuable at the same time. Perhaps that is the kingdom of God.
Are you prone to an “outside in” posture in life or an “inside out” posture? How does God see you? What would it look like for you to bear the simple gift of yourself to others, to God?
Joan Ervin