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JUST A LITTLE NOTE
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Last night, I had an incredible privilege to lead in something that is quite overwhelming and awkward for me. Isn't God awesome in that way?! Seems like we can't do the things we are comfortable with for too long before He starts kicking us out of "the nest" to get on with it.
I've been pressed recently to share with people what they mean to me. It is not something I am affluent at nor is it part of my background. I have never been one to share. However, I heard someone say that people often go through life having no idea what they mean to someone because they never get told. I didn't want that to be said of me or those who know me. I then stumbled upon a piece of an article of which I have mentioned way too many times for it not be a literary crush which spoke of "writing notes to your friends. Males. Tell them thank you. Tell them you're sorry. Wish them condolences. It's these relationships that matter, not the ones that happen online." Wow.
Last night with the young men of the church, we had them write a note to men within the group (about 15-20) and to say thanks to them for who they are. Our world often discourages males from expressing emotion to one another for fear that it is homosexual or anti-man. As I said to the guys we are missing the point. One of the men who continues to emulate this to me is my dad. He can write a card that will rip your heart out. Each year, just when I think he can't do any better, he yet again shows the mastery he has with words and conveying that with the people he loves. Though he doesn't do so with words (self-admitted), once he gets open space and a pen, he lets it rip.
As we prayed and began to write, the young guys turned it into a holy moment. I thought there was the potential for it to be sheepishly and without much heat, they stepped up to the plate and made it happen. Each of them expressing to the other how much they appreciated it. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
When I returned home, I was able to read through them and was hijacked by emotions. It takes a miracle to make me cry. I think I have defective tear ducts. I was on the brink the whole time while reading through what they had written. It's amazing what can happen within a short period of time as you give yourself to people for no other gain than to share life with them. I was overwhelmed by what had gone done through our relationships and how little things had contributed to our relationship in great ways. It was an incredibly humbling experience.
We (most people my age) talk of being real. We talk of honesty and being authentic. My prayer has been that this would be true in our thoughts and feelings with people. Not the romantic kind, but the kind of emotions that say it is a pleasure to share life with you. You mean something to where I have come from and where I am going. Thanks for being you. To all of you who may have read this and asked yourself the question of whether or not this would be true of you. It is. Thanks for being you and having a part in who I am. I appreciate you tremendously and it's a joy to travel through life with you. I pray that each of us will respond fully to the Jesus who was present in creating us and share more of it to come for eternity. TONS OF LOVE !!! [I end most of my notes this way because it is true. I have tons of love for you.]
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Now playing: Bon Iver - Blindsided
I've been pressed recently to share with people what they mean to me. It is not something I am affluent at nor is it part of my background. I have never been one to share. However, I heard someone say that people often go through life having no idea what they mean to someone because they never get told. I didn't want that to be said of me or those who know me. I then stumbled upon a piece of an article of which I have mentioned way too many times for it not be a literary crush which spoke of "writing notes to your friends. Males. Tell them thank you. Tell them you're sorry. Wish them condolences. It's these relationships that matter, not the ones that happen online." Wow.
Last night with the young men of the church, we had them write a note to men within the group (about 15-20) and to say thanks to them for who they are. Our world often discourages males from expressing emotion to one another for fear that it is homosexual or anti-man. As I said to the guys we are missing the point. One of the men who continues to emulate this to me is my dad. He can write a card that will rip your heart out. Each year, just when I think he can't do any better, he yet again shows the mastery he has with words and conveying that with the people he loves. Though he doesn't do so with words (self-admitted), once he gets open space and a pen, he lets it rip.
As we prayed and began to write, the young guys turned it into a holy moment. I thought there was the potential for it to be sheepishly and without much heat, they stepped up to the plate and made it happen. Each of them expressing to the other how much they appreciated it. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
When I returned home, I was able to read through them and was hijacked by emotions. It takes a miracle to make me cry. I think I have defective tear ducts. I was on the brink the whole time while reading through what they had written. It's amazing what can happen within a short period of time as you give yourself to people for no other gain than to share life with them. I was overwhelmed by what had gone done through our relationships and how little things had contributed to our relationship in great ways. It was an incredibly humbling experience.
We (most people my age) talk of being real. We talk of honesty and being authentic. My prayer has been that this would be true in our thoughts and feelings with people. Not the romantic kind, but the kind of emotions that say it is a pleasure to share life with you. You mean something to where I have come from and where I am going. Thanks for being you. To all of you who may have read this and asked yourself the question of whether or not this would be true of you. It is. Thanks for being you and having a part in who I am. I appreciate you tremendously and it's a joy to travel through life with you. I pray that each of us will respond fully to the Jesus who was present in creating us and share more of it to come for eternity. TONS OF LOVE !!! [I end most of my notes this way because it is true. I have tons of love for you.]
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Now playing: Bon Iver - Blindsided
