SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2007

THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

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Dear Friends in Our Lord Jesus:

Like many other teenaged boys growing up in Texas in the 1960’s I used to listen to every word spoken by this remarkable man. Now, as a much older priest, I still enjoy reading his words. Though he is no longer with us, his words seem to grow larger with time.

Take these words, for example -- words that call us to live unfailingly in the present moment:

“Think for a moment about all the factors that most often prevent anyone from reaching his or her greatest potential -- in whatever field. . . I’ve seen two common barriers that most often prevent people from reaching their fullest potential. The first is a pattern of past failures and past mistakes. The second thing holding people back is fear of failure.

“Without the burden of past mistakes or anxiety about failing in the future, I’m free to concentrate on doing my very best in the present. And I believe that’s how a real, personal Christian faith can make it easier for anyone to reach his or her highest potential.

“As far as sounding pious, or giving the idea that a personal relationship with God makes a person better than anyone else -- just the opposite is true. Because the first step in establishing that relationship is admitting you’re as much a sinner as the worst human being and that you need forgiveness. In fact, the most important lesson I’ve learned in my life is that God is so gracious that He accepts me, my failures, my personality quirks, my shortcomings and all. It’s hard for a perfectionist like me, but I have to admit that I’ll never be good enough . . . Yet God loves me anyway. And believing that gives me the greatest sense of peace, calm, and security in the world.”

That man? Former Dallas Cowboy head coach Tom Landry.

And what wonderful words to help us begin this holy season of Advent.

-- The Very Rev. Dr. Steve Sellers +