Responding to Yesterday’s Responses

Thanks to all who took the time to write such thoughtful and kind remarks.

Photo by Mahdi Bafande on Unsplash

It was hard not to respond to yesterday’s post yesterday, but I didn’t want to insert myself further. I wanted to give others space to express themselves to their satisfaction.

In fact, you all are still invited to continue writing anytime and often. There is no time limit. Go back. Read and respond to older posts. I am notified whenever someone responds to anything

Of course I appreciate your kindness to me but when you write, I hope you see you are doing so much more.

First of all, you are blessing yourself by formulating your ideas and taking the uncomfortable step of putting them out there for others to read and respond to.

Secondly, you inspire others who need to see they are not alone. It’s part of helping us all find our own voices. Hopefully the silent majority are able to see this is a safe place to share heartfelt thoughts.

Thirdly, you become a catalyst for others to reflect within themselves new ideas that they then can begin to act upon. This is how we grow intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, and in community. I believe this is the doorway to a more abundant life,

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Originality and Creativity

I know I have written this idea before, probably many times, that attempts to be original actually stifle creativity.

When we tell ourselves we will hold back on expressing openly until we have something “new” to say, we condemn ourselves to being just silent observers

Now I’m sure I am not the first to ever think or express this idea, but as far as I am concerned that’s just fine.

Everything I have written or ever will write will most likely have been expressed before and likely done better, and that’s perfectly fine. I’m just glad for the opportunity to contribute to the community conversation. In this way we can reject the competitive spirit and enjoy fellowship with others of similar interests.

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More Direction, Not Less

The following is a quote from one of you yesterday.

As I get older I find I need more direction not less.

So here is my response:

As we all get older, if we haven’t hardened into stone, which is certainly tempting at times, we discover the wonderful opportunity to listen quietly.

We think the sounds and ideas are coming from our surroundings, but what is really at work, as far as I can tell, is our own inner voice interacting with God’s Spirit.

Sure we see and hear the thoughts of other fellow travelers, but there can be no help or improvements in our lives if we don’t internalize and decide to act upon what it is we hear.

Seeking direction is a part of wisdom’s journey. Thanks again for sharing.

What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 (ESV)

Photo by Oliver Roos on Unsplash