I watched an episode of "This Is Us" this morning. I was really inspired and touched by this one scene. It ties in with my book, Tapestry, and with the Women's Retreat I recently spoke at; which was also themed "Tapestry."
The colors of Kevin's painting in this clip reminded me of the backside of a tapestry. The backside of a tapestry makes me think about all of life's events, circumstances and relationships, and how they come together in this big, colorful, chaotic mess we call life. And, it is when we really examine that mess that we start to see how each and every thread is an important part of the process of God creating the beautiful tapestry that is ourselves. Some of you have heard me say this before.
Well, Kevin's painting was a bit more focused. His beautiful, colorful, chaotic, messy painting was all about relationships. Relationships with no beginnings and no ends. Relationships that make us all one. He talks about our relationship with each other but, I think, it also applies to our relationship with God. Actually, I think it starts there.
Our Relationship with God is the most important relationship in each of our lives. It is in that relationship that we learn how to have healthy, loving, intimate relationships with each other. I know from experience that when I am not working on my relationship with God that all of the other relationships in my life suffer for it. This includes the relationship that I have with myself.
My Pastor has shared with us the theme that God has given him for our church for 2017, and that theme is SERVICE. Well, God has given me my own personal theme for 2017, and that is RELATIONSHIPS. I think they will tie in quite nicely with each other.
There are relationships in my life that need to be renewed, and ones that need to be strengthen, and I believe he is preparing me for new ones that will be developed. There are also relationships that need to end; like the one I have with depression.
So, that is what 2017 has in store for me. But, it is never too early to start. I have been working really hard at reading my bible more and spending more time in prayer with God because...that is where it has to start. And I have got to tell you, I feel lighter. I feel more hope and I feel excitement about what God has planned for this upcoming year.
This is where we have to be careful though. Sometimes the good feelings can cause us to feel like we've got this, on our own. That is an impossible idea. It goes against our natural design.
I know relationship can be a lot of work. They can be scary and sometimes feel like they are just not worth the pain, because true, open, honest, intimate relationships will involve pain at some point. But we are stronger, healthier, and just overall better people when we are in relationships and they are so worth it. Because...alone is just plain lonely.
I have to be honest though, and tell you that even though I have a lot of excitement about what God has in store, I have a lot of anxiety, too. I don't do well with change and this is going to require a lot of change in me. Again, this is where God is so important...He will guide me through.
Make the most of every relationship in your life. Remember, sometimes that means letting a relationship go. If you don't have a relationship with God through his Son, Jesus, then I am telling you that is where you need to start. It just takes a decision. Invite him in, then lay the rest in his hands. He will guide you the rest of the way.
I hope you enjoy this clip as much as I did.....
No comments:
Post a Comment