‘Cellar experience’

C. S. Lewis said that for him, “Nothing was any good until it had been down in the cellar for a while.”

In my last house, I was fortunate to have a cellar. Natural light was limited which meant at times if I spent too much time down there I began to feel more Hobbit than human. Yet it was not where I stored my wine but my study, my prayer space, and, at times, my ‘shouting at the world’ place. It was where I met with God but equally where I sat alone feeling an abject failure and fraud.

I have struggled with advice that in reality only points back to the person giving it. Hearing about their ability to “climb the stairs” due to their many years of achievements can end up being quite discouraging.

A better relationship will come from others' “cellar experiences”, the ones that share flaws, failures, and faith crises. The ones that will act as a pathway to lead another into a place of peace, patience, and a greater understanding of themselves and God.

In Luke's gospel the people “were amazed” at Jesus’ teaching because his words carried authority (Lk 4:32). His authority held people’s attention because it came with a deep understanding of his sense of being and bearing. It allowed him to be heard and to empathise with others.

When we have spent time “in the cellar” we will offer self-confidence, grounding, and validation to those around us. You can only lead others as far as you have gone. This is what will mature us.