What do you see?

* have had to edit- there were bits to make sure were what I intended. Though, am sure there is much more;) Note to self: Don't blog when completely exhausted beyond exhausted;)

Communication is such a funny thing isn't it. Funny what we say, or don't. Or something  is obvious and doesn't need to be said, though there are times when those things most need saying... Or communicated. Funny too what is 'heard', or understood when that's at times the last thing we have wanted to communicate, and yet they have heard it through an unseen filter so far removed from and unrelated to here and now, it's unbelievable. Having been on one side of that a lot, it's funny/ awful being on the other side, and really not wanting to be there.

I am not a fan of only ever intending well, and on saying something positive, having to then turn around and have to check if the mum, counsellor or dad is standing behind me (metaphorically speaking) to make sure they aren't there changing my meaning, or highlighting only the negative-most meaning of a comment, and causing everything else to disappear.

Most of the time it comes out of fear, and in the end I can only control my intentions and meaning, and try and communicate them as faithfully as possible. I am not their parent or counsellor, so don't need to carry the blame or meaning of that, and painful as it is to be misunderstood, I can't control their reactions. And in turn, I know there are times when I need to weigh my responses to situations against the lenses and fears I sometimes see things through.

But there is community, grace and forgiveness, and if we all really want it, the opportunity to learn and grow through it all.

The other side of the coin too, is there are people for whom you have no idea what they think of you, or even why you are friends. There is so little to go on... No evidence of care or affection that is anything other than circumstance, or coincidental, and yet. They actions speak loudly, if we look long and carefully enough and trust, and trust and trust. And trust. It can be a journey of learning to see what you might not normally think to look for. And seeing what seeps out in the said and unsaid.

And that is something like a treasure hunt;) You never know quite what you will find, or learn to see with time.

I loved this passage in Ephesians, and was struck by the overwhelmingly rich and lavish way he talks about everyone, and the way Paul is so intentional about blessing everyone. A beautiful gift to give those. I would love to be able to do that better, though can't say I wouldn't highly value that happening to me too.

Ephesians 1:16-23

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.  I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,  and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength  he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,  far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.  And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

So, my prayer for each of us this week... That we would each receive a new revelation of who we are, whose we are, and who others are, to us, and in Jesus.
Much joy and grace:)