Lessons

Learned any hard lessons lately?

Yeah.

Me too.

We can see hard lessons as heavy, or we can receive them as gifts that protect us.

After a hurt, I give myself one quiet day.

I feel the sting, I bring it to prayer, and then I keep (it) moving.

We owe everyone love and respect. That does not mean we are required to invite everyone into the quiet center of our lives.

Guarding the inner circle protects peace.

This is not selfish.

It is discernment.

Who is welcomed to speak into your heart?

Who has a front row seat to your everyday life, your wins, and your stumbles?

Are these the voices that help you choose the good?

Are these the voices that help you choose God?

Here is my simple test.

I ask, “Do I love God and others better because this person is close?”

If yes, I draw near.

If not, I keep the conversation kind and the distance gentle.

Everyone receives love and respect.

Not everyone receives the key to my inner room.

“Guard your heart with all possible vigilance, for from it flow the wellsprings of life. Turn away from the mouth that deceives and keep your distance from lips that mislead.” (Proverbs 4:23-24) 

A Simple Practice?

I make a short list of the people who:

·      Steady me in faith

·      Tell me the truth, kindly

·      Celebrate with me without envy

·      Sit with me when life is not pretty

I thank God for them.

And I tell them that I'm grateful.

For the rest, I keep an open door to courtesy, and a closed door to chaos.

For anyone I must love from a distance, may God bless you and keep you.

Lord, give me a heart like yours, wide with mercy and wise with discernment. Teach me to love well, and to keep a quiet center for you. Amen.