Good morning!
I was thinking about last night and how sweet and encouraging it was. Once again, I love the connections that can be made to my own children and how I talk to them or treat them. Steven and I have spoken before about mistakes our children make, and we agree that we don’t ever want them to feel so bad about a mistake that they can’t come to us. I want them to feel safe and loved enough that they aren’t afraid to make a mistake. In other words, if something big happens, they will know that we are here to help/fix/comfort/correct…they can come to us. When you overreact or are unapproachable, it deters someone from feeling safe enough to seek help. I’m not sure if that all makes sense on paper, but as you were talking last night, the feelings were similar as if it were on God’s end with us. 🙂
Also, concerning your testimony, I love that there’s a difference between being ready for something good to happen…when it happens, and being ready/happy right now because something good COULD happen. It’s the belief that He can do anything…and will if He wants! It takes out the, “Oh, I wish He would…” or “I hope one day…”, and replaces it with, “Isn’t it wonderful that God can fix that right now!”
Occasionally during these types of meetings, I imagine myself gone and these words are being spoken with me in mind. “This is really how people would talk about me?” There is so much love for someone fallen away. Hurt, but so much love and care for their future. I think, “Man, if you only knew how we feel…” It touches my heart so deeply to know that we are a body of people who really do care for one another! What a special place to be! A very safe place to come back to in time of trouble.
Thank you for last night. 🙂
Leah