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10-08-09 (A Failure to Communicate)
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Stephanie McIver
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Oct 08, 2009 11:30 PDT
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Steph’s Stuff
10-08-09
(A Failure to Communicate)
Isn’t it amazing? If someone fails to communicate with me, it certainly
isn’t because there aren’t many MANY avenues to do so. I have three
e-mail addresses, plus the option to contact me through my writing
(Topica) website. I have a land line and a cell phone. I am, usually
without fail, at certain pre-arranged commitments at certain times. The
radio station I broadcast from has instructions to take messages for me
if people want to reach me there. And yet, there are still times when
communication failures occur. In fact, I think even with all the modes
of communication available in today’s world, we have lost the art of
communication more with every new gadget or gizmo.
Sometimes it isn’t the medium that fails—it is the messenger himself.
No matter how many different ways we have to get the message THERE—it is
the essence of the message itself that is the most important. You can’t
convey the tone of voice through an e-mail. You can’t show the emotions
on your face via a cell phone. Hugs need to be in person, up close and
personal and that is the type of communication we all seem to lack
enough of. That has been my finding, anyway. I’m a hugger—and I seldom
get turned down when I offer one—in fact, sometimes I get squeezed way
harder and longer than I had anticipated going in. But that’s okay. He
has given me the heart—and the arms to be an endurance hugger who can
communicate much without saying a word.
People of the world need love—and are hungry for human contact. But
those who need it the most desperately often don’t have any way to get
it—or don’t see what that way could be. In this computer age, we
isolate ourselves and tell ourselves that it’s okay to just IM someone.
Send that e-mail that has been around the world 4000 times already. At
least they’ll know I was thinking of them, right? Maybe that works for
you, but it doesn’t work for me. In order to truly communicate with
people, I need to hear their voice once in a while. I need to see the
whites of their eyes—and I need to hug them. It isn’t easy. We are all
so busy and pulled in so many different directions.
Add scatter-brained, aging brain cell syndrome (FEMALE!) characteristics
into that mix and you can see my dilemma. Can anyone relate out there?
I KNOW you can! More and more, I realize that the ONLY way I can be
effective and responsible in my communication efforts is to seek Him
first.
“Servants don't know what their master is doing, and so I don't speak to
you as my servants. I speak to you as my friends, and I have told you
everything that my Father has told me.” John 15:15 (CEV)
We have been promoted—from servant to trusted friend. He gives us
instructions that we didn’t receive before we knew Him. But we have to
ask Him for it—and I don’t HAVE HIS e-mail address or cell number—do
you? The only way to communicate with Him is to take the time to be in
His presence. Quiet time—without interruption, where we can not only
pour our hearts out—but to LISTEN when He reveals His.
Look at the next words in that passage of John’s gospel:
“You did not choose me. I chose you and sent you out to produce fruit,
the kind of fruit that will last. Then my Father will give you whatever
you ask for in my name.” John 15:16 (CEV)
Not only were we promoted, we were chosen to do important work—work for
His kingdom. And when we take the time to communicate with Him, to ask
for wisdom and guidance—He will give it, in Jesus’s name. Our
friendship carries weight and value. It IS Who you know—and when you
know Him, you have an ‘in’. You get moved to the front of the line.
Your name is on the list—the ‘A’ list!
Whenever I am stumped or stymied by something in my life, I realize it
is because of a failure to communicate. I need to touch base with the
one I’m having the problem with at some point and clear things up. But
before I do, I need to go to the One who sees the big picture—from every
angle. He will guide me in truth. He will forgive me when I fall.
That’s what friends do for one another.
If you’re confused today, think. Where is the breakdown? Is there a
failure to communicate? Don’t grab your cell phone or run to the
computer. Get on your knees and talk to your BFF. It’s the only way to
communicate clearly.
Whew! Glad we cleared that up!
Fondly,
Stephanie
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