The circle of life

Have you ever found yourself going around in circles? They are fun -- sometimes. Rebecca, our daughter, found the roundabout in Los Alamos, N.M. Oh, do you know what that is? Instead of stop signs at each corner there are yield signs, and a round "island" is in the center of the intersection. Those approaching the intersection yield to whoever is in process of "going around" and finishing their turn. But be careful in these circles because some can be dangerous.

Our daughter had not seen one for years and became delighted in going around, and around, and around, and ... until a policeman pulled her over. No, she didn't get a ticket, but she was informed about the purpose of the newly-installed roundabout. Like I said, going around in circles can be fun.

Lately I've been thinking about something that I call "the circle of life." Not cycle, but circle.

This circle involves receiving, learning, maturing, and giving. By the way, this circle is found throughout all social interactions: family, vocation, military, church, and recreation. Admittedly, these steps overlap, and this explanation is an over-simplification, but you can get my point. Now, in order for the "system" to work, everyone needs to learn to properly respond to authority. Even the baby must learn the rules of the household.

Receiving (1 Peter 2:2). When a baby is born, what can it do? You're correct: cry. Early on it can smile and make baby sounds. But all it can do is receive what the parents give it. The baby isn't capable of telling you what it wants -- it just makes sounds; and in all your scholarly wisdom you, the parents, are supposed to figure out what it wants or needs. Okay, sometimes it doesn't take wisdom -- it just requires the sense of smell. But the baby simply receives what it needs.

Learning (1Corinthians 14:20). The child doesn't wait to go to school to learn, for the learning process begins early in life. He becomes aware of his position in the family, and in a childish manner tries to establish his importance over the others. If he succeeds, it takes much longer for him to "grow up." Eventually he learns the position of each family member and gradually -- hopefully -- learns how to assimilate himself into the family.

Maturing (Hebrews 5:12). The child (teenager or young adult) learns to apply what the parents, teachers, siblings, and friends have taught him. He may not yet know what he wants to do or become in life, but as he applies the life-principles he has learned to everyday life's situations, he begins to grow into or discover his life's calling; or to establish a career -- however you choose to think about it.

Giving (Hebrews 5:14). This stage of life is where mature people help those in the previous three stages to grow. Mature people do not demand their own way. They do not insist that others wait on them. They don't purposely break the law or violate other people's rights. They don't force themselves on others in any way -- be it sexually, mentally, emotionally, physically, or spiritually. But they give of themselves in order to help others grow in this circle of life.

If we actively listen and apply what we learn, we will become a benefit to society. When Abraham Lincoln was a child, he didn't know he was to become president of the United States and be instrumental in preserving the Union. But he diligently applied what he learned to wherever he was in life. And that established his purpose and prepared him for his role.

So, where are you in your position in society? You have been given knowledge to, in turn, offer to society for the benefit of mankind. What are your strengths? Your forté? What do you like to do? What are you good at? Educationally, culturally, spiritually?

Everything you have has been given to you. You then learned to use the knowledge, and have -- hopefully -- matured in your position. Your job is now to give to those who need assistance so they can grow to maturity.

But we go around the circle; and in our later years, or because of accidents or ill health, we again find ourselves on the receiving end. This is the circle of life, and not to be rejected.

Therefore, as you have received, be willing to give to others.

-- Gene Linzey is a speaker, author, and former pastor. He is president of the Siloam Springs Writers Guild. Send comments and questions to [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.