Monday, June 21, 2010

Communication matters.


"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place". -George Bernard Shaw 

We often hear of words getting in the way, of how impossible it is to disclose the deeper feelings within.I always figured that I was doing well in that area. I'm fairly verbose, right? I mean, I blog. Really. Clearly I do just fine at promulgating my thoughts and ideas to people. And in his mercy, God chose to show me how just how poorly I've communicated with the people I care about. He showed me how I've become dangerously introverted with my true feelings out of fear; how I'm not wanting to deal with their reactions, or afraid of hurting their feelings that I'm actually not loving them enough to tell them the truth. Beyond that, I'm just not talking to people at all. It's so easy to just feel too busy/tired/undesirous of burdening anyone else. Moving as much as I have has made this something that feels almost natural. I can love people for the time I'm there, then leave. I'm excellent at severing ties and moving on; my heart has grown calloused and cold, and that's frightening. Is that really the legacy I want to leave?  So in the strength of God, I'm working on graciously communicating what's on my mind in ways that edify and inform. And for now, we'll try to hold off on the sarcasm. ;) 

2 comments:

Craig Sturm said...

Trust me Kels, I know exactly what you are struggling with. It is definitely one of the costs of moving a lot. God will give you grace to overcome this and dig deep into people's lives. I love the passage in Proverbs 20:5..."The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water,
but a man of understanding will draw it out." I'm praying that you will be to people "a man (woman) of understanding."

Craig Sturm said...

BTW...love the new layout on your blog!