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Love Nudge: Relationship Inventory
There are generally two possible feelings that emerge from our personal interactions. We only seem to notice these feelings when we care enough to consider the impact of each relationship that we participate in – and that time of inventory typically comes when we feel out of sync. The general outcomes of these reviews include being affirmed in our purpose or being tempted away from who we are called to be.
None of us are immune to being tempted. We are reminded of the power of temptation in the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. So, we should not feel embarrassment when we consider temptation. However, we should never become comfortable with temptation or the tempter.
Who does not like to be affirmed? It feels good to hear that you are on the right tract, especially when it comes as a surprise from someone you did not know was watching. But, be careful with affirmation too. It could be that you are being setup or opened up to be taken advantage of. In this case, the affirmation works the same as temptation.
A true affirmation should elevate more than your ego (Edging God Out). Affirmations speak directly to what God has called you for and to. When you are affirmed in the appropriate manner, then it serves as fuel to move you closer to your calling.
As you inventory your relationships ask the important question, ‘do I feel tempted or affirmed through our interaction?’
Love Nudge: Our Past
We each have a past. Some are so weighted that it seems impossible to move beyond the experience. Opposite are those former experiences that serve as a positive lift toward our futures. In both cases, we cannot rest on what has happened.
The same principle is true when the past belongs to a group, a community, and even a country. History, whether negative or positive cannot be change. It can be told from various vantage points, but the raw facts remain the same. Juxtapose this with the future. For instance, the remainder of today is yet to be determined, which gives each of us a chance to participate in and influence a positive outcome. And our past should certainly influence what we do next.
Let’s take the good and the bad just as it was – let’s not hide the ugly scars that remind us of past mistakes. Neither should we stare too long at the trophies of victory. Move on, move forward, move upward towards an even greater existence as an individual entity, and collectively as a country. In the end, we should use all that is available, including our past to reach for God’s best for our lives.
Love Nudge: Pray
Embedded in the fourth of five wisdom books in the Bible is a most profound statement that is applicable for our present circumstances. King Solomon writes, “there is nothing new under the sun.” (NKJV) These words do not seek to alarm or discredit any of our stories, as what we are experiencing is very real. However, this wisdom does allow us hope in the face of the most troublesome times. We have historical evidence that ‘this to shall past.’
Yet, two obvious questions exist related to those who endured and overcame the same set of circumstances, but in an earlier period of time. ‘How did they endure the circumstances, and how did they overcome them?’ The answer to both begin and end with one equally profound answer – PRAYER.
Praying involves sharing in conversation with God about those things that are of the will of God. Why else would be have dialogue unless all parties involved have both an interest in the matter and the ability to respond in kind. God provides understanding, compassion and an unyielding capacity to change circumstances, such as those we face today.
Well, another question begs an answer. ‘If these same circumstances existed before, and God delivered the people, why are WE here again?’ This answer is not so simple. But does it matter as much as the solution?
All thoughout history it has been the people’s cries against personal and community and world injustice that have resulted in the tearing down of oppression. The moans and wailing of physical pain have been met with medical, physical and psychological advancement. Even the internal whispers of the lost and drifting have led to places of stability and growth.
The words of prayer, the cries, moans and wailing, and the whispers are what we must engage now, so that our children will have a World to inherit. The perils we face can leave the heart, mind and soul in places of despair. But, God. If we call on God, then the people will be set free.
Love Nudge: Conversations
if I were able to define the perfect conversation I would use a sea analogy. Great conversations mirror the ebb and flow of the sea. Volumes of meaningful or interesting material flows outward and when it returns it carries no forms of the same. The process continues without interruption while covering a great anount of space and an an assortment of matter.
Conservations should not be boring or a strain for either side. If one side dominates or consumes the majority of the time with their personal details, or if they are like me and perfect the arts of deference or deflection, then it is contradicts the early example of a personal conservation. Those exchanges filled with mis-truths or mis-givings are equally unproductive as neither party can feel enriched or empowered.
Frankly, you should leave a conversation feeling empowered or enriched by the information that was received and equally given. To borrow from a popular phrase, “you should get you monies worth.” What you gave and received must be balanced in ordered to feel value for the time invested.
And this great tool requires time, transparency, and temperance. Each attribute must be weighed or considered for the appropriate amount. The greatest consideration involves recognize the value of this tool and the level of mastery required to affect its un-measurable power. Conservations as with the sea hold an unmeasurable and mysterous power that we must respect in order to benefit from the greatest available to all.
Coached 2 Love 