A Correction, A Reversal of Thought, an Apology, and a New Path

Greetings Fellow Travelers …

The Correction ...

No, I don't think I'm always right- never have. I'm just not real big on being wrong! Still, there are many times—on a daily basis, actually-- when I find myself being roughed up by God's sandpaper working to polish me for His service. Such was the case earlier. First, a bit of history

I had told my wife Janie during a heated disagreement, (that hallowed pre-cursor to an argument), that Love was definitely NOT all you need for a good marriage. Then, I rattled off a slew of morbidly practical ideas gleaned from years of study and research. All of it was true, of course, but I had missed the point that she and God had been trying to make all along.

Start with Love, and everything else will fall into place.

Fast-forward to the Great Epiphany

The Reversal of Thought ...

Another discussion, this one not so heated as weighty, fraught with long-standing implications and strongly suggesting some sort of relationship “fork-in-the-road.” I won't divulge any details, but be aware that it was a defining moment in our walk together. In response to her question I said, without thinking, “because I Love you.”

This set off a chain reaction of thought that brought down long held beliefs like a house of cards. Half an hour or so later I said to her, “I guess Love IS all you need.”

The change in atmosphere was immediate and palpable. My mind seemed to be bathed in sunshine while roadblocks stepped aside and priorities changed. All of a sudden, I saw my wife in a whole new light, as well as myself.

No decision will be optimal or even correct if not made through the eyes of Love. This is the danger of working a job that you don't Love, performing a task that you don't Love, or joining yourself to another human being that you don't Love. Here's an example.

Several months ago I bought 1998 Mercury Sable that needed, as the previous owner stated, “some TLC.” Now, I Love working on vehicles. I tend to forget that when I have to be out under a blazing sun doing repairs. If I'll allow myself to take pleasure in the challenge at hand, the job goes so much smoother! This happens with my writing, as well.

My fellow writers know what I'm talking about. We Love to write, even though, in reality, it's a chore!  Yet, the Love we have for the written word sets the wheels in motion and fills our literary sails with the energy and inspiration necessary to produce a work of art. Then comes satisfaction, when our work, our calling, our gift, is presented to the world.

How could such a simple concept have eluded me for so long? Is this one of those “can't see the forest for the trees” deals? There's no way of knowing how much pain could have been avoided if only I had been seeing the world through the eyes of Love. I must admit- I thought I had been! As I stated earlier, Love is work. It isn't easy to see others through the eyes of Love. Why is this?

As humans, we tend to think of our own survival and our own best interest first. When others, who are doing the same thing we are, seem to “offend” us with their “selfish actions,” this threatens our self-preservation protocols. Our instinct kicks in, and transgression ensues. The worst part of all is this- we find ourselves separate from God, who IS Love. If not for Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross, there would be no hope.

Now, the hard part.

The Apology.

There are so many times when others were hurt by the harsh words and actions that ran from my world like a river, and for that, I sincerely apologize. I have asked for and received forgiveness from God through the Lord Jesus Christ, but still needed to say this.

The New Path

My world is so much brighter now. Even though my salvation has been secure for a great while, my selfishness would not allow me to grow as I need and want to. Now, yet another stumbling block—a HUGE stumbling block-- has been removed and God can use me as never before.

What a Blessing!!

Thank you for reading. My prayer is that your heart can be touched as mine was- and is.

Footnote

What helped bring this change to me was the “Who Am I Anyway?! A Study through Ephesians” by (my editor and fellow SearchWarp author) Teresa Ortiz. Be on the lookout for a review! Better yet, contact her at:

inseasonministries@msn.com

Get your copy today!