A student today: "I met this kid from China at lunch and I was trying to explain to him what 'stuffing' was. It was hard to explain. He just didn't get it."
Finding the right words sometimes to articulate or describe something totally foreign to another person, doesn't always lend itself to a clear visual. How would you tell someone about stuffing, because it sounds...well, less than appetizing.
You take stale bread, cut it in cubes then mix in some celery and onions and stuff it into the crevices of a foul...oh, and maybe add some herbs.
Even as a writer, I rely on tools to help me bring my sentences more energy, provoke a feeling in a paragraph, convince someone in a blog.
Words, words, words--not the only thing that communicates.
I'll bet if my student invited this new friend over for a taste, for a demonstration of the making of stuffing, he'd see it, taste it, understand its power on the palate and the desire for a second helping.
Sometimes, our words don't communicate. Nothing makes any sense. Someone needs a visual, a hands on demonstration and a taste of what is good before a revelation occurs.
---And that, just might require us putting our own words in action, a step into obedience, a trust of the unknown. No more words.
The Lord Himself did just that. He demonstrated love, by becoming flesh, living and ministering for 33 years and then continuing His obedience and God's salvation plan by going to the rugged Cross. His own blood sets us free. How can we place that visual, give that demonstration, bring someone to the "table of His grace" so that they too can "taste and see that the Lord is good?"
In this season of giving, of charity, of meeting needs, I encourage you to not just say the words, write the words, repeat the words...but demonstrate, provide a visual, sharpen your tools for hands on communication of the power of Love. What once you thought stale, God transforms into minstry, not only revealing insight but inspiration for your own soul as well.
Lord, thank you for all the opportunities You give us to serve, to bless You, to bless others. In that, we become the visible love of Your servant heart. Thank You Lord, for those that have blessed me with hands-on love as well as their kindness in words. You go before us. If You so desire for our actions or our words to go forth, we only have to be obedient and trust You in our doing. Lord, give us that trust, give us that desire to see the opportunities and/or create the way to be Your hands and Your feet in all that we do. Confirm the work of our hands Lord, to know You and make You known. Amen.
Reflection: How are you preparing to give to others this holiday season or seasons past? How can you continue to use more than words in every season?
Sometimes the simplest and effective modes of communication come through body language. A smile can make all the difference in a person's day. Describing unfamiliar foods can be a really tough assignment, especially things like stuffing or turducken. Leave it to the USA! I like the solution you present, invite the person over and have a taste! And always keep that Agape Love in mind, as you go through daily life.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment, which really is a continuance in words...of showing his love. I believe that's called an "active" voice! You show it well my friend in your service to others to tell their story. God smiles.
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