Seventh Grade Science Class, by Rev. John Moreland

In seventh grade science class, I distinctly remember Sister Mary Veronese teaching us the difference between a physical and chemical change. She pointed out that a physical change was dependent on circumstances and completely reversable. The example she gave was of water. Water is in liquid form when its temperature is between zero and one-hundred degrees centigrade; it turns to ice when its temperature decreases below zero degrees centigrade, and then to steam when it reaches temperatures over one-hundred degrees centigrade. The forms of water, ice, and steam have very different properties, but the existence of those properties is completely dependent upon temperature and can transition between these three states an indefinite number of times. Sister Mary Veronese then used the example of an egg to teach us about the concept of a chemical change. If you crack an egg into a heated frying pan, you have begun an irreversible chemical process. After a minute or so, you will have a solid substance that can never be returned to its previous liquid state. Its new form is not dependent upon temporary circumstances; you would need to apply another type of chemical process to change the cooked egg into something else.

The process of life includes growth and expansion; often, we consciously seek this growth and expansion but sometimes it seems to seek us. As we do so, we need to get clear on what type of change is calling. Sometimes, we may need just a physical change or a fresh coat of paint on our lives in order to shift our perspective in some way, while at other times, a deeper and more permanent change may be in order. The challenge we sometimes have is knowing the difference between the two. Apprehension about embarking on a more permanent change may have us opt for just a “refresh.” We talk ourselves into believing that shifting some of the surface circumstances of our lives will result in a change that is significant. In fact, we may go through a series of surface changes before we realize that something greater is pulling us.

I believe that we are communally in a time of history where we each are being called to a level of change that is deep and significant. This change will often be accompanied by a shift of circumstances and conditions, but we should be aware than something far deeper is calling us. I also believe that this change is occurring simultaneously on both the personal and collective levels of consciousness. The following sentence, taken from the Center for Spiritual Living’s vision statement, expresses how the two can coexist:

“We envision humanity awakening to its spiritual magnificence and discovering the creative power of thought; a world where each and every person discovers their own personal power and ability to create an individual life that works within a world that works for everyone.”

“A world that works for everyone,” is a vision where our individual needs and wants meets the greater needs and wants of the world. When we as individuals allow ourselves to be pulled by a deeper calling, we automatically are serving a greater good. Opportunities to serve a greater good are infinite, but we, as individuals, are called to seek the opportunities to serve that are uniquely ours to do. The pull of change can seem to bring up many more questions than answers, but part of this process is to walk in faith, knowing that, if we truly listen, all that needs to be revealed will be revealed. I often say, “the Universe works on a ‘need to know’ basis,” and that many of the questions our human curiosity would like answered may never be so.

This can be frustrating but know that the larger arc of life come with it everything we need, but not always everything we humanly want. Our one constant prayer should be to open to the vision of our lives that is always pulling us forward and pushing us along our way. We will experience every type of change on this journey from a simple refresh of our circumstances to deep and significant transformations. Just have faith and the willingness to step forward even if the human part of you does not feel you have all that you need to begin.

Bio

Rev. John Moreland has been the Senior Minister at Light on the Mountains Center for Spiritual Living in Sun Valley, Idaho since 2002. He is currently also serving as a Regional Support Coordinator for Centers for Spiritual Living supporting ministries in Montana, Alaska, Oregon, and part of Northern California. Rev. John has Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Music and Graphic Design from Cal State Northridge that have turned out to have more practical applications for ministry that he ever imagined.