Well another week has begun, and there is once again much on my mind. For today, I am going to share something that Father has lovingly pointed out to me in the last couple days (once again).
While writing a paper for school I have spent several hours analyzing different dynamics of significant relationships. And, if that wasn't emotionally tasking enough, real life continued with a couple of situations where I felt that my feelings and intentions were not supported or understood. (As I write this, know that I am very aware on how subjective and self centred this all sounds). The whole time I was feeling these emotions Jesus was lovingly saying "I know how you feel, I was not understood either; and my intentions were completely misunderstood".
Why were His words not good enough to give me peace in the situation? Why did I still (after that reminder) feel the need to reiterate and explain myself? Am I still hanging on to that right to be understood? The right to be heard and appreciated? What happens if people NEVER approve of your actions? Will that be okay for us? Can we live with that? (Obviously, those of you who were wishing that this author had her life completely together, will once again be disappointed, for I am (just like the rest of you) indeed still a work in progress).
This has been a journey I have traveled for years. I find myself needing to reiterate my words in order to be "correctly" understood and (if possible) have my intensions made clear. This morning however, as I write, I can't help but wonder how many times was I trying to fill a personal need rather than out of necessity for the other person?
I know we have all done this: but I am thinking that each of us need to look at the why of this. Why is it not good enough to rest in knowing Father understands? Why do we need to have the approval of man? Really, can we even expect all people to understand why we make the decisions that we do?
Then, I am reminded that as I point at others who I feel have not "knew my heart and intentions"; I realize that there are four fingers pointing back at me. For I have many times assumed the worst and been critical (and quite judgmental). One friend said to me several months ago, "why is it that only you can have a pure heart with pure intentions?" (ouch; but thankful for the wounds of a friend).
If we are the body, why are we not acting like family? The one textbook for school uses the illustration of a mobile. When one piece of the mobile is bumped, the other parts are all moved (to some degree). So, how do we react when one member is "bumped"? Do we try to understand and be supportive? or do we either turn a blind eye (as our own lives are complicated enough) or do we begin to be lord and judge over the situation? Trying to determine the verdict as innocent or guilty? Trying to decide if their own choices led to their consequences?
Friends, why dont we just love? Why dont we lay aside being judges and act like the body? We are a team and Satan would like nothing more then to rip this team apart.
Stop keeping track of wrongs, try to be understanding, speak truth ( when instructed by God) but dont forget in doing so, to speak truth IN LOVE for the purpose of building up; and , other times, why not just keep silent and perhaps give a hug or pat on the back?
My challenge for this week is for us to go into this week:
1. KNOWING that Father's love and understanding is NEVER ceasing. Whether others understand you or not, Father has your back.
2. When it comes to loving others, let's remember how we want to be treated.
That's all for today.
In HIS HANDS,
Jacqueline
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