Receiving…
We came to the end. Three days of learning, fellowship, and encouragement strengthened my heart and prepared me to move forward as a writer, as a woman. The shift in the air was palpable as we moved into worship. Strong voices filled the room and reverberated through the halls of Heaven. As I stood to receive communion, to receive the body and bread, our leader called me by name, looked right into my eyes, and spoke life over me. Tears ran freely down my cheeks as I received again, as for the first time, the Blessing.
It’s not a natural pose for me. I am most comfortable offering the blessing. Speaking words of encouragement. Ensuring that those within my reach feel seen, heard, and loved.
Isn’t this the truth? Those of us who nurture and strengthen those around us, often struggle to receive the same that we give out.
- Sometimes, we feel that there is no one to give to us.
- Sometimes, we have stopped putting our self in the place of receiving.
- Sometimes, we’ve become disconnected with our own needs and longings.
- Sometimes, we need to be reminded that we need as much, if not more, than those around us.
My strong friends, the ones who meet the needs around them are the first to offer what they have, and the last to ask for what they need. These women (and men) pour themselves out on behalf of others, and they sometimes forget that they need filling too.
I took my needy heart to that conference, and prayed that He might bless me, again. I asked for His Presence, for a Word, and for His Blessing. It’s not that I don’t already know that He is there, that His Word is available, or that His Blessing hasn’t fallen on my life… It’s that I needed to know Him, to experience Him anew. Not as an experience from the past, but alive and vital, and right now.
So, I am praying for you this afternoon. What do you long for? What blessing do you need? May you take your longings to the One who Knows your name, who knows your broken places, and your secret fears. May you receive His Blessing, as if for the first time.
Are you tired and worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me— watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.
– Matthew 11:28-30, The Message
