Weekly Meditations

"... but David encouraged himself in the Lord ... "

I Samuel 30:6b

Jan 15th 2014

Sometimes, There’s Only You

A sister-friend of mine recently embarked on a new journey. She decided to go back to school to study something that’s become a passion for her. Given all she’s got going on in her life, just finding the time to pursue her dream is a monumental task in and of itself.

She shared her intentions with me. And I’m ashamed to admit that I was too preoccupied with something else to really hear her. I was half-listening and wound up not giving her the respect or attention our love for each other required. My reply to her: “oh yeah?” And then I moved on to the next subject.

She called me on it recently. I had to admit that I didn’t even remember her telling me about school. I was mortified and will be mortified for days to come. I apologized, kissed her feet, and offered her my favorite pair of shoes (since I don’t have children). I’m so proud of her and can’t wait to see her first film.

Well, thank God, her passion and her program were not dependent on me. She followed King David’s example and encouraged herself. She didn’t get waylaid by my lack of attention. She understood that what the Spirit was calling her to do was bigger and more important than me saying “Amen” to her dreams, and they couldn’t and wouldn’t be drowned out or killed by my seeming lack of enthusiasm.

Look, sometimes, intentionally or not, your dreams, ideas, plans, and vision just will not be received or welcomed with open arms, loud praise, and a hallelujah chorus. In those moments, you gotta be clear about what God is calling you to do, and if you’re sure about your path, do like David and encourage yourself. Cause sometimes your own encouragement — and God’s — is all you’re gonna get. But then again, what else do you really need?