A Fellow Traveller

Listening means I'm not talking about myself; I'm reflecting back what I'm hearing the other person saying, asking, "Is that right?" and "Are you saying this....?" I let the person talking clarify their facts and feelings. I give opportunity for the whole story to be told if they wish. But that's harder than it seems, especially in the context of family. My daughter has pointed this out, and my eyes are becoming open to ingrained patterns. It seems that I'm quick to jump into conversations, to share my own connections, to give advice, to make judgements, to suggest solutions. What if that's not what's needed? What if I just need to listen?   Maybe if I could listen more deeply and intently, I would begin to see what is underneath; to see what feelings are under the surface; to understand what hurts are driving things. Maybe the words coming out of my mouth would then be more than just my words. If my heart...

We had our route picked out to NYC with the thruways and state highways marked. When a friend loaned us his GPS, we found ourselves following both. Although we had specific directions for the big city, it was the voice of the GPS that reassured and encouraged along the way. By the time we got home, we wondered what we would have done without it. If we had stayed on the thruways all the way home, we would have missed so much. By setting the GPS and following it through rolling hils, we travelled where we could never venture without it. Knowing that it had mapped out the best path gave us confidence to just keep following. At times we wondered how this could ever be the best way as we slowed down for small towns and twisting curves. But eventually we got back on familiar roads that led towards home. I think I need to live life with my GPS set heavenward. If I am living with a final purpose and destination in mind, then my choices and decisions will align with that big picture. Since I...

My first morning back, I woke still exhausted from the week. How I wished that I could putter at home and do up the laundry. Instead, I had to be at school for teacher meetings. I found myself walking in circles, feeling overwhelmed at the day ahead. I found myself asking, " What should I do first?" A quick thought, "Open your Bible." was my answer. When my Bible fell open to Matthew 19, I read two words, "Follow me". I instantly connected to John and Tim's teaching of the weekend. It made me realize that I can only walk one step at a time. So I simply picked up one box marked SEPT START UP and headed out the door. I was hoping it had what I would need for the day. My head felt a blur as I reconnected with staff. As questions were asked, I wondered, "What words can I use?" As I needed papers, I found them in the box. As I encountered jobs, I started making lists. Then an extended family group walked into the school, wanting to change...