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SOUNDING OUT:
Have At It
I love Stephen Curtis Chapman's song
"Dive." Much to the dismay of John and Nancy
and anyone else who happens to be there, whenever the
chorus comes around, I usually join in (never quietly).
"So sink or swim, I'm diving in!" That has been
like a personal battle cry recently. I don't know how
I get involved in so many projects, but I just jump in.
It doesn't much matter how much experience I have with
it, I just have at it. Sometimes I'm more successful than
others (as many of you who have heard the Taming the Tongue
SMF tape can testify.), but I refuse to lose because I
don't try.
You probably can picture a parent standing
in a pool encouraging their child to jump in to them.
It's not always easy for the child the first time. The
child wants to take the leap. He's seen others do it,
but he is not quite sure. After a jump or two the hesitation
usually disappears, and the child enjoys it. The encouragement
from a trusted parent is so important in the initial leap.
I'm too old to act like that child anymore.
I refuse to let fear keep me from trying things that may
be a blessing to myself and others. Whether it is a different
teaching technique, a irreligious sounding song, a computer
enhancement, or just an unusual mannerism, I refuse to
be afraid to try it. I love to see others do the same,
too. When I know someone is stepping out and trying something
for the first time I do my best to encourage them and
give them honest feedback.
Sara has had her driving permit for
about three months, and she is doing very well. She likes
being told she is doing a good job, and she asks a lot
of questions. When new situations arise (like yesterday
when entering an Interstate Highway in the midst of a
construction zone), I usually prepare her with: this is
what you are going to find and this is how you handle
it. She did fine, and was "hyped" to have been
successful at it. She enjoys new situations and new challenges,
and I enjoy her enthusiasm. It reminds me of my first
days behind the wheel and makes me so thankful to be a
part of this learning time with her.
It has also brought back the joy of
driving for me. Riding with her yesterday with the windows
down and the sunroof open cruising down the road in 80
degree weather made me very thankful. The hour round trip
to the mall was the most enjoyable trip I've made in recent
memory. Driving had become so "old hat," and
she has made it fun for me again.
I thought about how similar it is in
the spiritual realm. Sharing God's Word with people who
are trying something for the first time is so exhilarating.
Their questions and excitement are invigorating. It is
hard to tell who is the most blessed. God has made this
ministry of reconciliation a truly valuable thing. Not
only does it bring new believers into the family, but
it keeps those in the family thankful and appreciative
for all they have. Seeing the simplest things fill people's
eyes with wonder and amazement, does as much or more for
them who speak as for those who hear.
Want a spiritual "pick-me-up?"
Try sharing you faith with someone new. Remember the words
of Jesus, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
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