Today's reflection from The Magnificat Advent Companion, titled Talk Is Cheap, touched on a topic that truly separates the cultural Christian from the true believer:
"Big talkers are everywhere. We run into them all the time. They make bold promises, grandiose statements, and elaborate plans, often with no intention whatsoever of following through on their empty words. For some, it's merely the sound of those words—not the action, the reaction, or even the betrayal that follows—that is important."
I can think of several instances just in the last year when I've been disappointed by a few big talkers in my life. Now, everyone drops the ball periodically; but there's a world of difference between dropping the ball and dodging the ball after saying, "Hey, throw the ball here!" The irritation, disappointment, and often extra work really get old fast. My big talkers are probably reading this right now, reciting right now a litany of excuses and issues ranging from allegedly lost emails to hectic schedules, forgetting that I, too, have a juggling act of my own.
Granted, I'm guilty of having done this myself; the damage to my reputation, and the hurt feelings experienced by those affected by my lack of action, were a real life lesson for me.
It brings to mind the Parable of the two sons:
"A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, 'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today. He said in reply, 'I will not,' but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, 'Yes, sir,' but did not go. Which of the two did his father's will?" Mt. 21:28-32
May we always strive to be the one who does the will of The Father.
6 comments:
hi gina, i thought your writing today was very "straight-forward" honest truths, as you always strive to do.....not your words, but your soul, has made me so very blessed to be called your friend, your sister in love &life.......i'm not sure you have "droped the ball" as much as you may think you have...but, if you ever thought that you did, you at least have always been humble enough to acknowlege it, fix it, and move on to bigger and better things you are so gifted at doing AND showing, AND teaching.....being with you makes me feel better about myself because the undeniable strength, beauty, and passion for our LORD and your friends and strangers is soooo contagious......being with you helps to remind me of WHY i love my faith, my family, my friends, myself, and my LORD so very deeply.......i love you my dear sister and keep that "little light of yours" shining because it ALWAYS shines the path for me to the better....
Janet, you are just too much. I am blessed beyond belief to have a sister in prayer like you. My hope for everyone is to find friends in Christ with whom they can surround themselves and on whom they can rely for support and guidance, like I have in you and the rest of our group sisters. Love you, girl!
The dining room "Will" get done....
Stripping woodwork is harder than you thought......isn't it??????
Eddie-Ray: Yes it is---it's much harder than throwing away all of that trash in the basement. ;)
On mans trash is another mans treasure.........
peace.. faith, hope and love.
- handsome joe
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