Bill Gates recently stepped down from his role as executive chairman of software giant Microsoft, the company he founded in 1975.  The growth of Microsoft has been phenomenal and Gates has all but achieved his mission to 'put a computer on every desk and in every home', as far as the developed world is concerned.

The financial numbers are astonishing.  Microsoft produces profits in the region of $1bn each week.  Gates' personal worth was reputed to have peaked at around $100bn although this has since dipped a little – I find it hard to feel too disappointed for him.

Recently, the BBC reported that 'in his post-Microsoft life, Gates will be concentrating on giving away his money - promoting research into neglected diseases and finding other ways to improve the lives of the poor of the world.  For even the most cynical, it's hard to argue that his $30bn donation to his Foundation, with the promise of more to come over the years ahead, is some kind of grand public relations exercise.'

The world has witnessed the extraordinary transition of Bill Gates from techno-nerd, to hard-nosed business executive, to philanthropist.

At the confirmation service in June, Bishop Mike talked about his personal transition.  He began his address by reflecting on who it was he was becoming as the years went by.  When asked this question, one of his daughters replied, "Does the phrase 'grumpy old man' mean anything to you?"

It is true that the person each one of us is, and the person each one of us is becoming, is shaped in part by things we have no control over: the circumstances in which we grew up, the quality of our family life and relationships in our formative years, our schooling, even our genes – nature and nurture.  But these things do not define in totality, who we are and who we are becoming.  Whatever our circumstances, past and present, there is always a choice to be made.  We have it within our gift to choose what type of people we will try to become.  We have it within our gift to choose the things we allow to influence our own personal transition through life.

Who am I becoming?

You may have a clear and satisfying answer to the question.  Then again, you may not.  If so, if may wish to ask a friend who they think you are becoming.  Remember to ask someone who loves you enough to give you an honest answer!

God grant us understanding of who we are, wisdom in choosing what we will try to become, and time for the amendment of life where that's needed.

Stephen Pullin