Day 30: What is Your Lifesong?
This week will be a mixture of different topics. Only 10 more days left of the FEAST.
F=Fast from withdrawing from people to avoid rejection. Sometimes people withdraw to somehow “pay” someone back for their behavior. Instead of withdrawing choose to work things out.
E=Encourage someone you feel like withdrawing from.
A=Admit any jealousy/envy in your heart
S=(Scripture) Proverbs 14:30; Ecc. 4:4; James 3:13-18
T=Thank God for His blessings to you
A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body;
jealousy is like cancer in the bones. (Proverbs 14:30; New Living Translation)
I realized the reason people work hard and try to succeed: They are jealous of each other. This, too, is useless, like chasing the wind. (Ecc. 4:4; New Century Version)
Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn’t wisdom. It’s the furthest thing from wisdom—it’s animal cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats. Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor. (James 3:13-18; Message Bible)
A worship song by Casting Crowns called “Lifesong”;
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=9a5bc0fa34381bf42fbd
March 30, 2008 at 7:01 am
Yesterday, I witnessed a “lifesong”.
I went to the memorial service of the mother of one of my good friends from church. The church was packed with standing room only. I knew the “mom” as a delightful petite woman who graciously stored all my frozen goods when the electricity went out in my home. She had always made it a point to ask me about my life when we visited at church. She was 85.
She volunteered at the local public elementary school as an “adopt a grandparent” and read stories to the children. The public school elementary principal was there at the service to honor her.
Her lifesong really did involve a lifesong – music. She could always be counted on to play the piano or organ for church (she played by ear) – and she LOVED music. She also enjoyed food and cooking and was always providing for those in need. Many times her music, love of food and providing for others was mentioned.
So why do I post this? I guess I am reflecting on yesterday and my own “lifesong” – what would I be remembered for? How is God using me? By the packed church yesterday – I realized that a lifesong is most appreciated away from the limelight and in the dalies – the daiies of friends and family and neighbors and local community.
I pray that my own “lifesong” will harmonize with His.
March 30, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Just the other day, Dee and I were having a heated conversation. You know the type where both parties keep stating their points without the other feeling heard. The frustration grows, and what was supposed to be a simple decision becomes a tense banter of counter-points.
In the middle of this dinner table chat turned debate, Alexa sat eating and observing. Then she shared something.
Our daughter, calmly pointed out something she learned at the National Young Scholars Program, she attended this summer. She said that sometimes it is good when people are not understanding each other, to get someone to mediate. Or if a mediator is not available, to just take a brief timeout so that both persons can get a better perspective.
Alexa is 11 years old.
In that moment, although I was still simmering, I was humbled. We did take a break and found agreement quicker after the timeout. Taking a moment was just what we needed.
Both my wife and I learned something about GOD’s wisdom, “being gentle and reasonable,” from a young girl that day.
My lifesong is so blessed through my daughter, Alexa. I thank GOD for the inspiration she is.