"Healer, heal yourself"

I was reading on line about M Scott Peck. I have enjoyed his books... his earlier books in particular. I found that he took things like "grace" "Love" and "growth" and made sense out of them. I was disappointed in one of his later books to read his "confession" that he had had affairs, because it seemed inconsistent with his "discipline" and "delayed gratification" approach to growth and life.

Last night I read an article that in a sense exposed him even more. He was addicted to gin and smoking (well he had admitted that in one of his books...but not to the extent that this article seemed to suggest) His wife of 43 years walked out and he was estranged from some of his children. He had a new wife. (he is now dead.)

It was a strange feeling. His writings make so much sense and they had excited me and still help me understand life. But this man I had thought had it all together was in a bit of a mess in his private life! Even in his own inner life. He did things I would disagree with which seemed contrary to his writings. I guess I was aware of them, and of the possibility and I did not always agree with some of his stuff, but the reminder made me feel disappointed, let down and a bit betrayed.

But this has often happened to me. I recall one sermon I preached, I got books out of my library written by "saints of God" who had really helped me. At important times in my journey each of these writers had made a significant contribution to my life and directions. But each writer ended up "falling from Grace" in the church scene by having an affair or affairs. When you look through the Bible, some of the great men of God were no saints. Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon, all had pretty shady things in their lives. I am aware too, that if you knew all about me, and my "secret thoughts" you would probably not read this blog. You may even say, "How can he be a minister?"

It says something about the fallibility of us all but also something about our greatness. We, who are imperfect people, can still make a great contribution, even though we are not saints. We are all travellers on the journey of life, rising and falling, achieving and stumbling, growing and depleting but we can learn from each other's journey. I believe it makes forgiveness and tolerance important. It does not condone destructive behaviour, but it is the recognition that none of us is perfect, we all have bad and good within us. Again, "We are pilgrims on a journey, we are kindred on the road, we are here to help each other, walk the mile and bear the load."