In this week's reading for the bible study, the author mentions the story of a woman who was so recognized as "wise" that when she walked around her city with a plan for how to rid itself of the problems it now found itself in, everyone recognized her as wise and heeded her wisdom (the story is in 20th chapter of 2 Samuel).
I wonder, what am I known for right now? I know what I used to want to be known for. I wanted to be known for being beautiful and talented. I wanted to be known for being inspirational. I wanted to be known as a singer. What I wanted for myself is not really what God wanted for me or gifted me with.
If I really consider what good I am known for, it's probably for being loving and lifting others up. "My favorite thing about you is the way you love me," is actually a statement I've heard multiple times in my life. Many years ago, I took a "gifts of the spirit" quiz and exhortation came up as (by far) my strongest gift. I was shocked. "What kind of a gift is that?" I wondered with 20 year old impatience, but this is what I have learned in the years since, it's one the world needs greatly.
Seeing what is wonderful and beautiful about others is easy for me. Seeing the silver lining in nearly every situation is natural. Loving the beauty in others and telling them about the beauty they have is a simple way to make the day brighter. It may not be an exciting gift and it may not be the kind of gift that transforms the world, but it's a God given gift all the same. I am called daily (if I listen close enough) to love those around me. Even if I don't know them very well or feel uncomfortable approaching them. I can see the compliments that people deserve to hear and know the words that are needed to lift their day.
It's hard to be loving and to not ask for that kind of love in return. It's hard not to wonder when someone will want to lift my spirit when I'm low. It's easy to get upset about my lack of returns. I am, after all, only human and somewhat selfish at times, but if I am to believe in a God who loves perfectly and provides perfectly, than I need to believe that I still need to keep speaking the beautiful truths about those around me even if I'm not sure what's beautiful about me and must rely on God to speak it back to me. After all, who better to rely on?
Motherhood may just be my best chance at accessing the wisdom God wants me to have in my life. I cannot forget to uplift my children and love them no matter what. I cannot forget to speak the words I know will enable them to see the beauty in themselves. I know it is God's love that is moving through me and it will teach me a kind of wisdom I need to serve. Also, I know that whatever happens in the future, those around me will always know that I saw the best of them and how I felt about them. There's something very fulfilling about that im and of itself.
So, Lord. Let me always speak and wrote the uplifting vision and words you have gifted me with. Help me to access your wisdom on how best to serve and love others. Help me also to accept the love you give me as my replenishment. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!
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