Long before I was a busy mom, I never seemed to mind waiting in lines. I would happily people-watch and just daydream the time away. Somewhere along the way, my world has become much to busy to be waiting. I don't like to wait in long lines and get impatient with "slow-movers" in the fast lane.
This chapter was good for me. We need to be useful while we are waiting. I like Sheila's example of cross-stitching while she listened to the choir because she still has the piece that she made during college. It probably reminds her of that time and to slow down a little. The Bible says that the anticipation deepens the joy when we get what we've waited for. I've always cross-stitched and I really enjoy the feeling of watching the piece come together. It doesn't happen overnight, it takes time and patience for it all to come into being. Sometimes I get so caught up in it that I stay up until 2 or 3 in the morning, just trying to get it done. I love the process so much that I don't mind losing the sleep.
Maybe I will find a way to recapture some of that patience while waiting. I'm going to try to remember that the waiting here on earth is just an inconvenience. The things that matter the most are worth the wait. While I wait, I will try to remember that the Bible tells me to work while I wait for his return. We are not to be idle. There's work to be done!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Chapter 10 - Balancing Unity & Diversity
In the past, I've found it hard to be unified with people that had different views than me or totally different lifestyles. I either felt inferior next to them or "holier than thou" toward them. Such a shameful thing to admit, but it is true.
One of the greatest things that I did to overcome this and to have this balanced in my life was to participate in a 27 week Bible Study. We studied (and I mean studied) the Bible. That was the first time that I really realized how the different personalities and lifestyles made up one, perfect body of Christ. Each of us play a vital role in God's plan and we cannot all be the same to accomplish this.
Thankfully, as I've gotten older, it has gotten easier and easier for me to relate to someone that has a different view than I do. I have found my group of friends are more diverse and it's been a lot of fun! We don't always have to agree on things, but we are there for each other and to encourage each other. That is what we, as Christians, are called to do: love and support, encourage and pray for each other, serve and accept one another.
One of the greatest things that I did to overcome this and to have this balanced in my life was to participate in a 27 week Bible Study. We studied (and I mean studied) the Bible. That was the first time that I really realized how the different personalities and lifestyles made up one, perfect body of Christ. Each of us play a vital role in God's plan and we cannot all be the same to accomplish this.
Thankfully, as I've gotten older, it has gotten easier and easier for me to relate to someone that has a different view than I do. I have found my group of friends are more diverse and it's been a lot of fun! We don't always have to agree on things, but we are there for each other and to encourage each other. That is what we, as Christians, are called to do: love and support, encourage and pray for each other, serve and accept one another.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)