There is so much I want to squeeze into my day today. After enjoying a small break yesterday from our busy weekend, I've hit the ground running this morning. The laundry is underway, the kids are at school, I'm checking my e-mails, and hopefully I can get some exercising in after I watch some of the inauguration. Then there's the bank and grocery store run... I think I need another cup of coffee.
Before I get started, I've been thinking about something interesting my brother-in-law said this past weekend. After my sister had endured a little teasing about her need for a little petting (this being her first pregnancy and all these changes she's experiencing), I defended her and tried to explain the complexity that is the "professioal fitting" at a bra shop and how band and cup size is determined (all the while trying to convince her that the actual cup of a 40B IS bigger than the cup of a 36C... trust me on this. I have Sears lingerie department experience!). Anyway, Blake asked if anyone ever noticed how I always had a story to make somebody else feel better. I didn't know how to take that at first. He's a big teaser, but he's also a pretty observant guy (and I don't think he wanted to cut my sister any slack in her attempt for some sympathy!). I began to ponder on it, and I realized what a compliment he gave me.
I'm a true people person. Anyone who knows me, knows that. I'm also very affectionate. I hug everyone... or at least anyone that will let me get close enough. And I'm not talking about those hugs where you lean in and pat, pat, pat. I'm a squeezer. It's just the way I am. It's like a handshake... I don't like a wimpy, flacid, half-hearted handshake. When I shake hands, I reach out, hold firm, and look the person in the eye. Exactly what that says about a person is up for debate, I guess. I think a firm hand shake says that you are a strong, confident, and outgoing person. Likewise, a strong hug conveys strong emotion. It's genuine and encouraging. All of those things are characteristics I hope I can always possess.
God tells us that we SHOULD be encouragers: "Therfore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another, Romans 14:19 NKJV". The world is full of criticism and we as humans are always going to fall short of our ideal that is Jesus. Therefore, I count it a priviledge to do the work of God in being kind, supportive, and inspiring to others. There are many things that I'm not able to do, but giving encouragement in kind words or hugs is not only some thing I CAN do, but something that comes easily to me. This "a-ha" moment has brought me a considerable amount of clarity especially in answering the question of "What is it that I'm supposed to be doing?" It's possible that I've been doing it all along. Thanks, Blake, for bringing it to my attention.
Beautiful. You do God's work all the time, not just with your hugs, although that's its own ministry, but with your kindness and humor. I feel so very fortunate to call you my friend.
ReplyDeleteLoBoat
Hey girl
ReplyDeleteLoved this one. I just asked myself this question this morning...what do I do for God in my everyday life? I never feel like it's very much or that it's not enough or that it's the right thing. This was very encouarging. I pray He can use the things I do and show me more! Love and miss you!
Lillie