“What is uttered from the heart alone / Will win the hearts of others to your own.” -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
I realized how rarely I write words that are actually mine, from inside of either my mind or heart. When I blog, and even in life, I often find it easier to give glib answers to trivial questions than to make known my thoughts and feelings. This isn't because I'm scared of laying myself open to others, but rather because I don't want them to concern themselves, and worry, about me. That may be just as selfish as using their energy in telling them everything... I've come to understand that there are times when you have to divest yourself in order for people to know you.
I've realized how important people are, and that I like them a lot more than I thought I did. I don't consider myself a "people person," but I am grateful for human interaction; from checking books out from the librarian to talking casually with a friend to conversing with someone about honest, coarse subjects. This is not just important as friends, but as the Body of Christ, iron sharpening iron.
I've been surprised at how fast a person can get to know another, and I'm learning the value of new friends.
"As we have fellowship with one another, bear with each other and be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another. Above all, put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let us consider how we may spur one another on." (Colossians 3.13,14 and Hebrews 10.24)
I've been realizing how important it is to think about home when you're away from home, but also to pray for home when you're away from home. It's important to try to remember anyone who cares for you or gives you a kind word. But to me it's even more important to ask God for watchcare over them. I say that cause I know it's something I should do and fail to do a lot. It's a little like preparing the way for yourself when you go back from where you came. I feel bad when I get home and know there are people there in need that I have failed to think about or say a prayer for. It takes so little time and can have such a profound effect on their lives and ours. Pray for where you're from, where you're going, and where you might be in the future and that the heart of Jesus will meet you there when you arrive (cause you never know where you'll be next).
Long, long ago, so I’ve been told Two angels met on streets paved with gold.
“By the stars on your crown,” said one to the other, “I see that on earth you too were a mother. And by the blue tinted halo that you now wear, You too have known sorrow and deepest despair."
“Oh yes,” came the answer, “I once had a son, A sweet little lad full of laughter and fun. But tell of your child.” “Oh I knew I was blest From the moment I first held him close to my breast. And my heart almost burst from the joy of that day.”
“Ah yes,” said the other, “I felt the same way.” The former continued, “The first steps he took, So eager and breathless, the sweet startled look Which came over his face -- he trusted me so.”
“Ah yes,” said the other, “I felt the same pride. How often I shielded and spared him from pain, And when he for others was cruelly slain, When they crucified him and spat in his face How gladly would I have hung in his place.”
A moment of silence “Oh then you are she -- The mother of Christ,” then she fell on one knee. But the blessed one raised her up, drawing her near, And kissed from the face of the woman a tear. "That I may share your grief and your woe, Tell me the name of the son you loved so.”
She lifted her eyes and looked straight at the other. “He was Judas Iscariot-- I am his mother.”
