All in Relationships
One way we become free of ourselves is through praise. True worship recognizes that
God’s character, not our preferences, is the center of worship. Miller writes, “There is a
key difference between the worship of God and superficial distractions. One is an
escape; the other is a return.” Rather than neglecting ourselves, she encourages us to
redirect our focus outward—to God and to others.
Rather than silver and gold, I pray that my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren will seek a godly reputation for their lives. I also pray that memories of my life might render similar joyful tales that my mother’s life left behind!
Relationships shape us more than we realize. This article looks at how God uses friendships, even the challenging ones, to refine our character, reveal blind spots, and help us grow in righteousness through honesty and grace.
He and his wife had thousands of children.
Let me clarify: They never raised biological children, but during his over 50 years of serving in the student ministry at my home church, he fathered a multitude, including myself. Today hundreds will gather to celebrate his life.
Have you been at a restaurant and the noise level is so loud that you cannot hear the person seated right next to you? You can see their mouth moving, but you have no idea what they are saying. Frustrating, right?
What neighborhood do you live in? Where do you work? Who do you live with? Where do you shop? Who do you often pass by without even noticing?
Picture a body of water on a windless day. The water appears as smooth as glass, reminiscent of a mirror. As you look at the glorious scenery, you also view a perfect reflection of the beauty in the water. Likewise, you will find your reflection if you peer into the water. What a peaceful image to conjure up. It relaxes me to think of it.
As a child I loved going to my uncle’s farm. He asked if I could come to the farm after school one day. When I arrived -- there she stood. Her blonde mane and her light brown fur gave her such beauty.
I met a friend when I was in my 30’s who mentored me without me even understanding that was what she was doing. She shared transparently about a painful family situation causing me to think, I could never do that!
We are to have compassion in our relationships, but what about that person who continually causes strife? The one that drives us to the feet of Jesus and to seek counseling?
We all have people in our lives who either grate on our nerves or treat us disrespectfully. I don’t know about you, but I am guilty of sometimes reacting with the same attitude.
Once, I was sharing something with a friend. She stopped what she was doing, turned toward me, and gave me her full attention. It was a very busy time for her, but she still stopped everything. It struck me how this made me feel; valued, loved, and my words were important to her. It was a slight gesture that weighed tons in my soul.
I rented a cabin on Lake Catherine in Arkansas for a week to spend time with the Lord and work through a challenging time in life. I searched for a study to guide my time with Him. So, one evening, I stood in between the shelves of LifeWay, praying for the Lord to show me which book to pick.
A very wise man once referred to a young couple as “pillar people.” They had fostered five siblings for an extended time and had grieved deeply when the time ended. The wise man encouraged them to see themselves as a stable pillar God had placed within the lives of these children. The siblings would forever look back at that time of stability as a frame of reference.
I got caught up in my grandsons’ excitement on a recent trip to the zoo. The oldest one loves the Reptile House so, of course, he made certain we headed there first. He marveled over every snake, lizard, turtle, and creepy crawly thing.
We are all on a journey. Interestingly enough each one travels his or her own unique path, but there are commonalities that tend to draw us together.
I rented a cabin on Lake Catherine in Arkansas for a week to spend time with the Lord and work through a challenging time in life. I searched for a study to guide my time with Him. So, one evening, I stood in between the shelves of LifeWay, praying for the Lord to show me which book to pick.
Once, I was sharing something with a friend. She stopped what she was doing, turned toward me, and gave me her full attention. It was a very busy time for her, but she still stopped everything. It struck me how this made me feel; valued, loved, and my words were important to her. It was a slight gesture that weighed tons in my soul.
We are to have compassion in our relationships, but what about that person who continually causes strife? The one that drives us to the feet of Jesus and to seek counseling?
