It takes a week for the buds to blossom in the Lilies. It is a process that takes place in tune with the inherent biological clock!
While the bud is a forerunner to becoming a flower, the morphology of the flower is determined by the plant.
The Human becoming process
The 'human becoming process' from the time a baby is conceived is determined by the genetic and epigenetic pre- determinants. Just as the soil conditions, weather and fertilisers influence the formation of a bud and its opening to be a flower, so are the influences of many details in the ambience in which a child grows up, for the 'unfolding' of him or her as a person.
This 'person becoming' although is central to child development, is often not consciously attended to during childhood. The parenting education needs this orientation to monitor this becoming process.
As a child I grew up in a scenic environment of a rural setting, where people lived relationally and mindfully of each other. Each family lived from the produce of the land. Most of my childhood was formed by sights, thoughts and practices I experienced around me. I would have naturally followed the path of being a teacher at the local school, because my parents lived content- ended lives as teachers.
But the decision of my parents to send me for pre-medical course at Nagpur changed the becoming process in my life! It took a while for me to adapt to this decision of my parents and find a meaning in their choice. It was only during the third year in the medical course, I found the vocation in being a doctor.
This transition from becoming a school teacher to becoming a doctor happened because my parents 'saw' in me more than what I thought for myself!
This personal experience has affirmed me that the 'unfolding of a person' is a process where others participate actively!
The Unhealthy influences
I have a suspicion that the becoming process of a child in the current context is lot more complex and convoluted. The media, social world, modern life style, wealth aspiration, pursuit of success in career, or acquiring influential positions in society seem to have a dominant influence in the formative process of young adulthood.
The doctors at a Medical college in a city in the state that I live are boycotting the out patient service in protest, for getting some of their 'demands' granted by the government.
We see an aspirational generation around us, who seek for their wellness and prospects. They would set aside the obligation to attend to the needs of those who come to the hospital, for the sake of pursuing their personal interest at any cost!
It is this which raises a question about the human 'becoming process' ! Do we 'become' more humane or self seeking!
The Opportunity
I admire the graceful presence of the Lilies in the garden. Its colourfulness and waving presence in the gentle breeze, is a metaphor of a 'leavening presence' ! But for them, the garden of trees, plants and creeper would look evenly green! Its presence is a complement to make the garden look even more charming!
How Simeon, a devout elderly person, seeing Mary and Joseph bringing their son to the temple, prayed, "... For my eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou has prepared in the presence of all peoples. A light of revelation to the gentiles and the glory of Thy people Israel" (Luke 2 :30-32). It was that infant Jesus who grew up to be a teacher, healer, and saviour. How could Simeon be such a discerner that he could speak about that infant Jesus, as to who He would become later in life! Simeon became pointer to Mary and Jospeh about the special vocation their son would pursue in life!
That is the intuitive gift that Simeon carried to articulate prophetically the future profile of Jesus of Nazareth!
There are some children in our families, class rooms in schools and colleges and people in work places who have the prospects of becoming people who can make a difference!
The opportunity to identify such people and facilitate their formation to become what they can become in future, is what elders in our homes, schools and public places ought to focus on.
I suspect that children who behave differently or deviantly are those who need attention as there might be something unusual in some of them !
I am not sure if the ten percent of children who are gifted are recognised earlier and nurtured to blossom in our homes or schools, colleges and work places!
Their fullness and prospects in future rest on the shoulders of elders !
The human becoming process is enabled by others who care !
M.C.Mathew (text and photo)
