Love Changes

DEEPER STILL...

"When you walk into a room, don't think 'Here I am..' Think 'There you are.'  "  That's what my Aunt Lu and Uncle Ray told my cousins.  My cousins are some of the most extraordinary people I know.  (By the way, Kala Balch is one of these, and she's in The Next Level, the group who sings background vocals on this song, You hear them here and there throughout the project.) 
Taking a cue, my mom handed down this wise, otherward approach to my siblings and I have to be honest that I still struggle at times with listening well. When I feel nervous, I talk too much. (You may not believe this but I used to be VERY shy. I guess I overcompensate.) I say less than helpful things. I miss out on "there you are" discoveries ... But when I DO slow down and engage, with LOVE, fear goes away, and I get opportunities to know EXTRAORDINARY minds and hearts, opportunities to BE THERE for others and ENJOY others. People need to be enjoyed. It's basic. If you're having trouble with someone, sometimes it's a matter of looking deep into WHO they are, really. Their essence. (My sis calls it their 'ness'.) Celebrate whom God made them to be, beyond their behavior. And embracing our own 'ness' helps us on this journey to love others well!! It's ok to make mistakes. Keep pride out of it. Forgive yourself, forgive others. Peace in Jesus, my friends!