Only when we see ourselves in our true human context, as members of a race which is intended to be one organism and “one body,” will we begin to understand the positive importance not only of the successes but of the failures and accidents in our lives. My successes are not my own. The way to them was prepared by others. The fruit of my labors is not my own: for I am preparing the way for the achievements of another. Nor are my failures my own. They may spring from the failure of another, but they are also compensated for by another’s achievement. Therefore the meaning of my life is not to be looked for merely in the sum total of my achievements. It is seen only in the complete integration of my achievements and failures with the achievements and failures of my own generation, and society, and time. It is seen, above all, in my own integration in Christ.
[No Man is An Island: p. 16]
kind of makes us all in this together, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteI like it too. I've long been convinced that each one of us is missing a screw(s). With all of our flaws and wounds, not one person can come to any kind of "wholeness" without others.
On one hand, it takes the weight off our own shoulders, on the other, we share in the struggle supporting one another. Very healing.
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