March 2021 Newsletter
So, how are you doing with adjusting to the new ways that we are having to live life these days? – Some of the changes are tolerable – some are very challenging – and some are causing us - forcing us - to learn new things.
Now, I will be the first to say that God calls us to be life-long learners. Every opportunity to learn a new skill or lesson is an opportunity be better, wiser, more skilled, and to be able to use more of the intellectual blessings God has given to each of us. It stretches us. It provides experiences that help us to mature and grow.
The counselors on our team meet monthly and part of that meeting includes a period of ‘Peer Review’ where we share some of the challenges and victories we have in our interaction with clients – (of course, we never use their names in order to protect their privacy). Our opportunity to share in this way helps us to learn from one another – what went well and what did not go well. In other words, what works and what doesn’t work – all in an effort to learn and serve our clients better.
Most likely because the counselors make it a practice to share with one another – and that we are all educated, trained and experienced in our work – when we experience struggles in our personal lives, we often go to one another for counsel and to share our challenges. One of my trusted confidants, when I share a challenge, will almost always ask me. “What is God trying to teach you through this challenge – and what is the work that He has set before you?” Now, while these questions may cause a bit of angst for me – I have to acknowledge that his questions are important and appropriate.
In the Book of Proverbs, chapter 27, verse 17, we are reminded that, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” The wisdom behind this passage is pretty obvious. Whether it’s quoted as biblical wisdom or not – it is almost always used with the imperative: wise people should be questioning, encouraging, coaching, and challenging each other. But just why does it matter – and how do we do that?
Well, it does matter - and my friend is correct and wise to ask those questions. It truly does matter that we would respond in obedience to God’s commands as Christ followers. God has given us to one another in the Body of Christ as a special gift – to encourage and to strengthen as we to point one another to and remind one another of the love of God, that we may all strive to be all that He created us to be.
And, how do we do that? How do we keep ourselves strong and courageous – sharp and focused – so that we can help those around us to be sharpened also, the way that God has intended for us all? Here is a simple guideline to help get us started. It is, by no means exhaustive, and there are many concepts that can be expanded upon in this simple outline - but it will, hopefully, provide some inspiration and give you the impetus to be very intentional as you interact with those God has placed in your life. We must. . .
1. Show genuine care for people... ‘Genuine’ is the operative word here. People don’t care what you know unless they know that you care.
2. Provide clear expectations...As we point others to God’s call to each one of us, clarity is always helpful and inspires innovative planning.
3. Engage in regular honest conversations… Honesty, even if it is difficult, is essential to build trusting connections with others.
4. Praise in public and correct in private… Respecting one’s dignity and need for praise enhances in others a sense of self-worth and self-confidence.
5. Discover and develop people's strengths and passions…When strengths, passions and the needs of our community come together, we can be blessed to know that God is at work in and through us.
6. Build genuine relationships…So that sharing flows naturally and honestly.
7. Share the credit...Which ALWAYS includes God!
8. Speak vision and possibility into people…And bless them as they are nurtured in the hope of God’s plans.
As you welcome the hope and beauty of new life that comes with the Spring season, our prayer is that you will notice where God is at work in the people around you – and make the choice to join Him! --- Have a blessed and hopeful Spring -- and a joyous Easter celebration!
