Considerate Inclusion

This morning I read a devotion in a new book titled "The One Year Book of Inspiration for Girlfriends." I just purchased the book after seeing it on the desk of my friend, Gail. Since girlfriends are very special to me I figured the book would be enjoyable as well as inspirational.

I almost had to laugh at the words I read this morning. You see, I'm slow. I'm intentionally slow. My new motto is "Time is life." I never did like "Time is money," so I've taken this new motto to heart.

I wasn't always slow. It's only been since I was saved back in '78 that I've become a slower person. And the place it most definiately makes people mad is on the road. So when I read the devotion this morning I smiled.

Bill McGlashen said: "Patience is something you admire in the driver behind you, but not in one ahead." And Ellen Miller went on to say she was convicted when she realized how inconsiderate she is with others, especially s...l...o...w ones.

She said she's always in a hurry no matter if it's walking, talking, driving, etc. She doesn't have a problem with "being patience when it come to things or circumstances--just people." And she realizes "this is actually a form of inconsiderate exclusion. Considerate inclusion must be extended to those who think and operate at a slower rate than I do."

The devotion ends with her account of walking into church behind a homeless man. She was running a bit late for church and not too patient. Then she saw how receptive her fellow leaders were toward this man. "Seeing the considerate inclusion of this poor soul by our well-heeled congregation made me so proud of who we are as Christians.

The scripture verse for the devotion exhorts all of us to be patient and encouraging: "May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus."

I guess I will always be slow . . . slowly enjoy the conversation with a friend . . . slowly driving through back roads to enjoy the views, and slowly reading God's word to get everything out of it I can.

I snapped the picture above while slowly driving home from work the other week. I found the doe and two fawns having a relaxing afternoon in the field. After a few snaps, this horse decided to see what was going on. Time is life.

What Can You Do?

Being a quiet, introverted individual, I have always felt uncomfortable about the number of things I perceive that I can't do that "normal" people can. One of those things is the inability to open my mouth when I'm with a group of people. This weakness not only embarasses me in the work place, but also the house of God. It's like my mouth is frozen together and I can't open it.

From work meetings to work lunches, church fellowship events to Sunday School classes, work conferences and church retreats,I can't open my mouth and talk. It has frustrated me my entire adult life. Even at the age of 62, this weakness of not being able to talk in a group setting over shadows all my choices.

Yet God is aware of this weakness. And that must be why He gifted me in writing, and opened my mind to the ministry of note writing. Recently, in Sunday School, we've studied Mark 14, and I discovered a little gem. In verse 8, Jesus supports Mary, the sister of Lazarus, who poured a jar of expensive perfume over His feet in preparation for His burial. He said: "She did what she could."

"She did what she could." I like that. I may not be able to speak when I'm with a group of people, but I can do what He HAS gifted me with--writing encouraging notes. And in God's eyes, it is enough.

I was recently asked to give my note writing presentation at a senior adult retreat. I've spoken at a number of events for the churches in the convention where I work. You might be thinking, "I thought you couldn't talk in groups of people?" You're right. I can't. But I can read. My entire presetnation is typed. I read the words exactly as typed to the class. It must be working because people respond.

But my flesh still said no to the request. It's too uncomfortable. But then I thought: "my book is being published. Who knows what doors God will open to teach others about this incredible mininstry." I'm stepping out of my comfort zone to do what I can.

As I prepare for retirement and the new life God has in store for me, I will remember what God has given me to do. I humbly submit that I'm doing what I can. How about you? That's all God asks.