Two Sundays back, Mark Byrd shared this during his message.
You will never knowingly suffer at my hands.
- I will never say anything or do anything knowingly to hurt you.
- I will always, in every circumstance, seek to help and support you.
- If you’re down and I can lift you up – I’ll do that.
- If you need something and I have it, I’ll share it with you. If I need to, I will give it to you.
No matter what I find out about you, no matter what happens in the future – either good or bad – my commitment to you will never change.
And there is nothing you can do about it.
I stuck it in my Bible as I thought it worth “reconsidering”. Pulled it out today and related it to where my life is God-wise, family-wise, church-wise, work-wise (or should I just say “everything-wise”). It is easy to see things through rose colored glasses when you are out of the day-to-day line of fire of “living”. On vacation, I have been in that mode for the better part of the last two weeks (yes – the State of Mississippi did find me a couple of times for stuff and we were met coming off the plane Wednesday with news that Steve’s mom was in the ER) – still, it was E A S Y compared to the high pressure grind of dealing with the “normal stuff of life” in our everyday world.
I will confess I was not particularly happy about those work things on “my time” though I have been in the same position having to ask things of folks who are out of the office or about Steve’s mom (I know she did not do it on purpose). Realized (again) how my lows/highs swing and how quickly my focus comes off what God wants to what Cille wants. And in my reactions – others are WATCHING!
In react mode, do I “knowingly” hurt someone? Does “every circumstance” include vacation time when other need help and support and lifting folks up? How willing am I to share or even give things up (including time) for someone who needs it? Hmm. Becomes personal. Very personal.
In 2003-2004 (my last round as Sanctuary Choir President), I chose these verses from Philippians 2:1-2 for that year: “If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”
I think Paul is saying here some of the same things Mark Byrd did – if I am in complete fellowship with the Spirit, then His joy is completed if I share His mind, His love, am united in His spirit, and intent on His purpose.
Tomorrow is back to work. AND Carols is coming! And there are things within our family and circle of friends to tend to! And … And… And…. As Steve and reminded each other last week, we “get” to do all of this as well as play. I hope I have these verses planted deep enough in my heart that I just live them because I know He, too, is watching.
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| I put this on my phone as wallpaper – as reminder to be at peace! |
Cille Litchfield 