This is a story which many of you have heard about. A father goes to his son’s room and tries to wake him up to go to school. His son says to him, “Give me three reasons why I need to get out of bed.” The father says, “Number one, you know it is your duty to go to school. Number two, you know you are forty-five years old. Number three, you’re the school’s principal.”
Anthony de Mello’s definition of spirituality is “waking up”. Do people most of the time remain asleep to what is essential in life? Do most people want to change? Are most people open to listening, taking to heart, and waking up to what would make a difference in their lives? The case in point would be the alcoholic or the many ways people have become addicted. Do most people believe that in the end, all things will be well?
If we have faith to believe that we are created by God and know God’s unconditional love for us and remain grateful, God will give us the grace of God’s merciful love in Christ to bring us home to a happy ending. We can wake up and smell the roses.
• What thoughts help you want to get out of bed in the morning?
• Has growing spiritually become a priority in your life?
• Have you had the experience of waking up to your desire to grow spiritually?
O God, help me to be attentive in my relationship with you.