So. I am sitting here (with a bad sunburn on the back of my legs and on my shoulders. My poor skin! Is that gross to say?) thinking about how I am not very expressive. It doesn't come very naturally to me. This thought was triggered by a conversation I had with Steph last night. Steph I hope you don't mind me pointing you out (don't worry there are only three people who follow my blog). I have had quite a few conversations lately where I just don't have much to say. I think it is good to be a listener but not to the extent that you are not present in a conversation. I don't think it is good for me because I often feel forgotten, but it is also not fair to the person talking to me. So one of my goals for this summer is to hone my skills of expression...to a certain extent. This blog is only one way of attempting to reach my goal. Hopefully, I will be expressing my thoughts a little more regularly this summer. With that said...
expression of my spiritual self is one area that I need to work on. I have recently met a person that references scripture all the time and is constantly focused on the applying scripture to his/her life. This is a good thing. However, my recent reactions to this have been contradictory! I don't know why. It almost seems like I can't relate to him/her because it brings a more serious, almost impersonal (maybe because he/she is not using his/her own words) tone to the conversation. That is so terrible to think that! But how they are speaking is so personal! This person is freely letting others know the most important areas of their life without being ashamed. We are called to know the scripture and to share it with others. Way to go (this person)! They are doing exactly what God called us to do. So my question is, Why is doing what God wants me to do so uncomfortable for me to even hear someone else doing? and Why am I not doing it if it is what God has asked for us to do?
I think it could begin with reflection, which seems opposite of my goal of expression. However, If I take a little more time to reflect on God's word, how he is currently working in my life, and what he will do in my future then I may have more to express to others. AND I think this may also inspire greater conversation between God and myself! which would be so cool!
That is all I have for now.
whaaat?
ReplyDeletewhy didn't i know you blogged?
blog more!
To be honest, I think their is a happy medium. I do agree that we are to know scripture, have it written SO deeply on our hearts that we can't help but spill it onto others. What I don't agree with is alienating your listener with scripture. Sometimes a friend merely needs a listening ear, not a sermon, or what FEELS like a sermon. Ya know.?
ReplyDeleteso I know this post is getting ready to celebrate it's first birthday, but I thought I'd comment anyway... because it's sort of timeless, you know? I def think knowing and quoting scripture when appropriate is great as long as it's presented with the right attitude. But more than knowing and being able and comfortable with quoting is having that heart to heart relationship with the Lord. Everything else really does fall into place when that is the full focus. Like, up until a couple weeks ago I'd been having regular morning devotions (prayer and reading) and then for some reason I got distracted and out of the routine and it has seriously negatively affected every aspect of my life. I could try with all my might to be a better person right now, but I totally know I wouldn't be able to keep it up. It wouldn't stick. Unless I get my focus back to where it should be... then all that other stuff will come without me having to even try.
ReplyDeleteAnyway... sorry for getting preachy :) .... we're all in this together... take care, Cassidy!