“But we all…are changed…from…to glory…”~ 2 Cor. 3:18
There is such a thing, in many lives, as a change for the better. Those who cling to the status quo, who do not accept it in others are generally the ones who resist change in their own. They do not want to put forth the effort it takes to bring about the best in themselves. Plus, it can be humbling, to say the least, to admit one's former life needed improved upon. The very worse thing that can be said of you is, "Ah, the same old________, you'll never change." The only One who never needed change is God, “I change not.”
Therefore, it is important to give those around us elbow room to grow. The best way of doing this, I find, is to not constantly be reminding them of what they were. The past doesn't necessarily determine who a person is in the present. We need to also keep this in mind for loved ones and friends we have not been around for awhile, those who geography and time have separated us from. Allow in others what you desire for yourself.
The circumstances of life has brought wonderful transformation in many a person. The better principled an individual, the easier the adjusting from bad to good, or from good to better. The mature person realizes when once the old seed ceases to be sown, the new will ultimately takes its place, though there will be one last season of reaping the old harvest during the transition time. But they are encouraged at seeing the new sprouts peeking through the soil.
“If God can make a beautiful butterfly out of a worm, and do the same for a worm like Jacob, most certainly, He can and will do it for the likes of us! (rds)
Just outstanding, Dad. Thank you.