The Threefold Way is a broader and more ancient articulation of the three essential stages of transformation. What Willard suggests with Surrender-Abandon-Contentment-Participation would definitely correlate, probably best to the purgative experience. In Reaching Out, Nouwen explores the transformational journey from the r…
The Threefold Way is a broader and more ancient articulation of the three essential stages of transformation. What Willard suggests with Surrender-Abandon-Contentment-Participation would definitely correlate, probably best to the purgative experience. In Reaching Out, Nouwen explores the transformational journey from the relational context, which is helpful and an interesting angle. From my studies, the Threefold Way is the broadest expression of the Christlike journey. I would think of Renovation of the Heart and Reaching Out as works that zoom-in on specific aspects of that journey, giving us more granularity, which is a wonderful thing!
At the beginning of my learning, my study was more self-focused. Transformation was my project, which is a typical purgative experience. I don't feel a lot of guilt about that, it's simply how we all begin our journey – self-centric instead of others-centric. But I will say that over time, I've noticed a change. Not drastically, but there's a difference. My learning seems to be leading me to deepen relationships, especially with those closest to me, like my kids and wife. Ultimately, learning or study should lead us to love. If it doesn't, then we're missing the point. But we have to actively wait for all of this. Transformation, by its very nature, requires time. And this is one of the important ways the virtue of patience is cultivated within us.
Here's something to keep in mind: It's not so much your transform-ed presence that influences your kids. It's your transform-ing presence. You don't need to arrive at some particular transformational destination to have a positive affect on your kids, to be on the journey (in front of them, with all the ups and the downs) is enough. It's powerful. Grace to you.
Hello, Jonathan! I read your response immediately and then was buried in the busyness of school year endings and family visits from far away. Thank you for your thoughtful reflections here. I especially appreciate what you said about transform-ing presence. That echoes the comforting picture of you in your dad's studying presence. I want to understand more of what you write about here and continue to look forward to that with your book. =)
I'm back Sarah.
The Threefold Way is a broader and more ancient articulation of the three essential stages of transformation. What Willard suggests with Surrender-Abandon-Contentment-Participation would definitely correlate, probably best to the purgative experience. In Reaching Out, Nouwen explores the transformational journey from the relational context, which is helpful and an interesting angle. From my studies, the Threefold Way is the broadest expression of the Christlike journey. I would think of Renovation of the Heart and Reaching Out as works that zoom-in on specific aspects of that journey, giving us more granularity, which is a wonderful thing!
At the beginning of my learning, my study was more self-focused. Transformation was my project, which is a typical purgative experience. I don't feel a lot of guilt about that, it's simply how we all begin our journey – self-centric instead of others-centric. But I will say that over time, I've noticed a change. Not drastically, but there's a difference. My learning seems to be leading me to deepen relationships, especially with those closest to me, like my kids and wife. Ultimately, learning or study should lead us to love. If it doesn't, then we're missing the point. But we have to actively wait for all of this. Transformation, by its very nature, requires time. And this is one of the important ways the virtue of patience is cultivated within us.
Here's something to keep in mind: It's not so much your transform-ed presence that influences your kids. It's your transform-ing presence. You don't need to arrive at some particular transformational destination to have a positive affect on your kids, to be on the journey (in front of them, with all the ups and the downs) is enough. It's powerful. Grace to you.
Hello, Jonathan! I read your response immediately and then was buried in the busyness of school year endings and family visits from far away. Thank you for your thoughtful reflections here. I especially appreciate what you said about transform-ing presence. That echoes the comforting picture of you in your dad's studying presence. I want to understand more of what you write about here and continue to look forward to that with your book. =)