LIFE AND THE LAW - TRANSFORMATION

CHANGE AND TRANSFORMATION

The story of Dr. Albert Schweitzer is well known. This is a remarkable example of a man who caught a glimpse of his purpose, and changed the course of his life, and thousands of others. He was the most famous concert organist in Germany, making his living in the great cathedrals and concert halls of Europe. His music was legendary. The public was astounded, however, when he abandoned his career to go to medical school at middle age.

Graduating from medical school, Dr. Schweitzer announced that he would become a medical missionary to Africa. A concert tour was held to raise funds, and he set out with supplies, into the darkest unmapped centre of the African continent. At an isolated village called Lambarene'. he set up a clinic, then expanded it to a full hospital with later help. His international reputation drew funds and support, and volunteers, over a period of some thirty-five years. He died at a very old age, and is, I believe, buried in Africa.

Note that his initial concert career was not a wrong choice. His fame enabled him to attract the money and support to carry out this very ambitious venture. But what might have seemed like a lifetime career turned out to be nothing but a stepping stone to something far greater. Perhaps it did not seem as great in the clouded eyes of men, but it was surely far greater in the eyes of God. God surely must have spoken to and through Albert Schweitzer in those fateful days in the 1940's, when he determined to make that dramatic career change.

That doesn't mean that such a turnabout is in store for you. Yours may be not a change of career, but just a change of heart, not so visible perhaps, but perhaps even more important. What you hear froml your still, small voice may seem silly. it may frighten you, it may even seem dull. Dr. Bill Talliaferro notes; "The most frightening thing you may find when you search your heart is that the intended love of your life is the one you're already married to!".