ministry

A Quiet Life

Oh, autumn. I delight in this season. The weather turns cool. We get to pull out our cozy socks and sweaters. The leaves change colors and the trees let go. October is my favorite month.

Is anyone else just feeling worn? This year has brought out the ugliest sides of people. It has caused a feeling of hopelessness.

There is just so. much. noise. I have deleted facebook from my phone. I keep my phone charging far away from where I am. I’m just tired of it all.

People continue to scream their hate and opinions as though that is going to change someone’s mind. Has your mind ever been changed by a keyboard warrior? I sincerely doubt it.

“But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.” 1 Thess 4: 9-12

I want to live a gentle and quiet life. I want to share the love of Jesus with others. I want to love people more than I love my opinions. I am so thankful that this world is not my home. It’s become an ugly place. What happened to loving others as Jesus did. We see time and time again in the Bible where he found a sinner and loved them right where they were. THAT transformed their lives in powerful ways.

We are no longer listening to hear and understand. We listen to respond. We don’t listen because we care. Are we even listening in any capacity anymore?

I’m not even sure where I am going with these words. I guess I’m just sharing where my heart is today… really, where it has been camped for quite some time. I’m going to evaluate myself. Am I being loving enough and gentle enough? When people interact with me, do they see Jesus? Am I different?

Even so, come, Lord Jesus.