I am always fascinated by the theories of autonomy and relatedness as basic social needs and cultural paradigms. Definitions differ, but both quite significant for understanding chosen paths.
A recent conversational antecedent grounded in cultural representation, paved the way for me to briefly touch on why my daily gratitude is occasionally led by my personal upbringing. My autonomy I embrace, specifically in the sense that God made one of me. No one else holds my biological interpretations. I am a child of God, who has some likeness to my only sister. Yet, I am one creation from God; the absolute eternal creator. My autonomy offer purposes, desires, partialities, and feelings. How I present these in community, is my defined relatedness.
The antecedent of culture, reflected the temporary deportment of remembrance and longing. Remembrance of an easier and simpler life, and longing to have more and more of this no matter the environment I reside in. The life of my childhood was quiet. It was reserve, it was careful, it was kind, gentle, and sweet. As a grown up, this life is rooted in my overall behavioral characteristics. Life in the United States (US) affords me more education, adventures, options, and possibilities. It is interdependent and is only isolated when I choose it to be. It is eccentric and voids any unnecessary processes. My self-governance flourishes and my relationship grows.
Beyond the great thrill and magnificence that God made me and has chosen me to do, live, and be, lay the concept that He honors my agency and mastery. These, I continue to build focused on pieces of my culture and the flow of closeness to others in my preferred social systems.
Just as I can’t go back and undo mistakes, I can’t reinstate every element of my childhood. Yet, the one thing most evident in all this, is that God never left my side. His processes are specific, and within His specifications, I continue to build a relationship with Him. He is unchanging. He tells us so.
“I the Lord do not change…” ~ Malachi 3:6
Though, I have changed. For the better, I hope 🙂
He met me right where I was. He meets me where I am. He lights the way even where there is darkness, ambiguity, chaos, or confusion . And, even when I choose forms of remoteness, He stretches me to insist that I will never be alone. He is my greatest helper, revealer, leader, and shield. My beautiful Adonai Nissi (Exodus 17:15).
My prayer.
Father, I want to say so much more on this, but for now, I must bring my current thoughts to a close. Do know that I will always love your ways. Thank you for your process of only Love. I can certainly exhibit this without apprehension. Thank you for my childhood where this Love was depicted so frequently, as it is shown to me right now. Thank you for leading me to my Colorado home…
Your appreciative daughter,
Charlotte