A Higher Perspective by James McGraw
The one true difficulty I have found in growing older is that, on many occasions I find myself at yet another obstacle that causes me to think that I have much to learn of life and all its mysteries. Before August of 2005, my maze of mystery and enlightenment was spiraling tighter into complexity. It was gradual, then sudden, the change that came over not just my spirit, but my entire perspective regarding my life past, present and future. It was as if I had been elevated above the rat race maze I was in, and I could see myself from above struggling to find my way through. Imagine this view if you can and realize how easy it is to find your way through a maze when viewed from above rather that from within its high walls and unidentifiable blankness with constant disappointment, frustration and panic. One still must figure out a path through the maze but with this new view, it becomes a surmountable challenge; a joyful game; a successful mission. It is with this same perspective-altering grace that my life has been revealed to me. My paths have been straightened; my purpose has been restored; my life has been enriched. I find that the confusion and panic are lifted, and the clutter has fallen away.
I received this grace by allowing myself to progress through the RCIA process into full communion with the Catholic Church. When I first decided to attend RCIA, it was a shock to my entire family. I had attended mass with my Catholic wife Beth and son Bryce, and I became fascinated with the rich tradition and deep relevance of and reverence toward every aspect of the proceeding. I had been raised in the Protestant Christian tradition and had attended various and assorted denominations with my parents and sisters as they strived to find a church where they were “comfortable”. I was never comfortable, but I had no idea why. As a child, I attended Sunday school, vacation Bible school, and even an after-school Bible study through most of grade school. I read the Bible in its entirety twice (except for those 7 books of the Bible I didn’t even know I had missed out on). I figured I just wasn’t meant to understand. Mind you, I never attempted to remove the wonderment of God from my unexplainable life and faith, but surely there must be more order and reason and answers.
As an adult, I began my own quest for truth and knowledge on the premise that “organized religion” was not all it was meant to be. I was half right. I just hadn’t discovered the organized religion that is true. As I started attending RCIA, I was merely continuing my quest while gradually, the truth was revealed. Were you ever lost even for a minute as a child where you turned around and your parent was not in sight? It was the same feeling I had when I rediscovered my parent that I had when the truth was revealed to me. I felt relief of the panic, yearning to be near them, safe again. Everything started making sense.
I was hooked! I had to know more. I dreaded the end of every session and longed for the start of the next. The strangers I had immersed myself among were becoming my family. I was sharing a bond with them that transgresses time as we know it; a far greater bond than even the blood of my earthly family. RCIA became my spiritual compass. My week became relevant by its polarity. My schedule revolved around it. The Mass that I was now regularly attending was becoming more meaningful as was also every minute of my day. I hungered to receive the Eucharist as I knew it was my destiny and would be the fulfillment of my quest.
When I returned home after every class, I went over my notes with Beth and, without knowing or premeditation, rekindled her faith! We now share something brand new in our relationship: Jesus and all his glory. It is showered over us daily. We home-school Bryce and he teaches me more about the Faith every day.
Now, as I mentioned from the beginning, I find myself realizing I still have much to learn of life and all its mysteries. The difference is that now I have a map of the maze, a family of advisors, mentors and peers to guide me through and most importantly, a higher perspective – that of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and all that his Catholic Church provides. It is all that He left us and all that we need.
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