Our need to communicate...

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
~ Ephesians 4:15

Today was the first day that I have been back to work since having surgery last week.  I struggled to speak, and I discovered a number of people extending grace as I spoke slowly.  One of my patients in particular, added a little laughter to the situation.  She has recently experienced deafness due to her condition.  She looked at me, and said, "I'm so sorry to see you like this, but just think, if we had a blind person here we could be those three monkeys.  Speak no evil, hear no evil and see no evil."

She continued, "In my 89 years of life, I have learned a lot about what it means to rely on others.  Of course I'm sad to think that I may never hear my grandchildren call me 'grandma,' or hear my children say 'I love you,' again.  I am working hard at realizing all the blessings I still have each day."

I have to admit, this particular procedure has impacted me in many ways.  Not just a change in appearance, but the inability to speak clearly, or at all. 

What I have learned through this experience, is that if we truly want to communicate with others, then all effort is worth it.  

Sometimes when I think of Jesus walking with the Disciples, providing daily examples, and then telling parables, I begin to realize just how much Jesus had to share, and to what length he would go in order to communicate with humanity.  Even going to the cross.

I have often wondered what it was like for Adam, walking in the garden of Eden and sharing in conversation with God.  Or what Moses must have really felt, listening to the voice of God.  Or what prompted Ruth to proclaim, "Your people will be my people and your God my God."

Our ability to communicate can be as simple as a hand reaching out.  A word of encouragement.  A tear when someone tells of a sad situation.  The laughter when joy is encountered.  All of which are ways that we communicate with one another.

It is only by giving generously from our well of self to others that we discover just how deep that well is, and how important it is for us to share with one another.

Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2018