This morning I awoke burdened but not really knowing what the burden was. So I just sat and talked it out with God. He is always faithful, and He again has shown me my own heart. 
As we travel the narrow way with Jesus, there are many things, i.e. habits or realationships, that He points out to us that must go. So we faithfully burn those bridges, not wanting to give the enemy a foothold in our lives. Yet as a homeschooling mother of 2 (soon to be 3!) who's family lives on one income and owns one vehicle (and much to our dismay, 2 houses!), my lifestyle is an uncommon one in most circles. This leaves a gap.
Now this gap has been pestering me off and on for months. How can I relate to those around me, when they are around me, when my life is seemingly so different? Does it make others uncomfortable? Not that my goal is to please others, my goal is to please God. And I know He wants me to love others, in spite of obstacles, whether real or perceived. So as I talked this over with God, He sent encouragement through His word once again. Is there a gap? Fill it, build a bridge! Do all that you can lovingly do to connect with others though different you or they may be. It is so simple, yet isn't it the simplest things that somehow continue to confuse us? Certain bridges to the past must be burnt, but we must not grow weary of building new ones. For if we cease to build for the Lord loving relationships with those around us, we become an island unto ourselves. "No man is an island." Weary and desolate does our island become, not that we should desire to escape it, but to share what we have with others. Is what we have worth sharing? YES! Has God been working in your heart and life? Of Course! If He hadn't been, would I feel so "different" in the first place? Has He brought me here and changed me so in order for me to be shut up within myself? No! So building bridges is to be part of my work here on earth.
At times I have been fearful that my "homeschooling self" frightens others off. You know when it consumes you and spills out of your mouth before you can catch it leaving your audience with eyes glazed over!  First, I must cease to fear. God doesn't want me to fear, but to trust Him completely. Second, I must not go on about myself. If I want to connect with this person, I must consider this person's lifestyle and feelings and engage them where they are in life. They will know by my actions and attitudes, not my words, what is important to me and know I truly mean it!
So for those of us who struggle or need reminded to build new bridges, press on!
Philippians 1: 9-10 I pray that your love for each other will over flow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until Christ returns.
Galatians 6: 9-10 So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters. |
