The Long Way to Liberty
In his brilliant essay in the October 2014 issue of First Things, Yuval Levin proposes that both conservatives and liberals attempt to take short cuts to liberty. Levin asserts that there are no short cuts to moral development; all freedom begins with personal transformation. He has a name for pursuing the "disciplines of the soul" -- Taking the Long Way.
I contemplate his message as I turn the page on 2014 and start a brand new year.
Taking the Long Way through 2015
I wonder whether I approach a new year as if I will be heading for the destination of December 31 of 2015 using the shortest path possible. Efficiency appears to be a goal for me.
What if I were to "take the long way" through 2015? What if I started off this year knowing how valuable it can be to:
Reflection Questions
If you took the long way through 2015, how would that be different than 2014? How would it be the same?
Think back on 2014. Was your pathway a straight line between A and B or more of a meandering path? What happened to you that was a surprise?
What goals and dreams do you have for 2015? How do they support a lifelong quest for character and wisdom? How can you align your short-term goals with the long view?
In his brilliant essay in the October 2014 issue of First Things, Yuval Levin proposes that both conservatives and liberals attempt to take short cuts to liberty. Levin asserts that there are no short cuts to moral development; all freedom begins with personal transformation. He has a name for pursuing the "disciplines of the soul" -- Taking the Long Way.
I contemplate his message as I turn the page on 2014 and start a brand new year.
Taking the Long Way through 2015
I wonder whether I approach a new year as if I will be heading for the destination of December 31 of 2015 using the shortest path possible. Efficiency appears to be a goal for me.
What if I were to "take the long way" through 2015? What if I started off this year knowing how valuable it can be to:
- stop and smell the roses
- take detours in service of others, like the Good Samaritan did
- let go of immaturities in pursuit of spiritual maturity
Reflection Questions
If you took the long way through 2015, how would that be different than 2014? How would it be the same?
Think back on 2014. Was your pathway a straight line between A and B or more of a meandering path? What happened to you that was a surprise?
What goals and dreams do you have for 2015? How do they support a lifelong quest for character and wisdom? How can you align your short-term goals with the long view?
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