Friday, June 4, 2010

What I’m Reading Today: Ephesians 5

Not too long ago, I had the opportunity to have a conversation with some individuals who shared something in common: they had lost a spouse or significant other. There were many things that touched my heart that the individuals in the conversation shared. There was one theme, in particular, that struck a chord with me. They talked about how difficult it can be at times to see other couples in public now that they are alone. When they see other couples, the individuals said, they are tempted to approach them and ask, “Do you realize how lucky you are to still have your loved one with you?” They felt epsecially tempted to say that when they encounter a couple who is fighting.

That remark made me think about how easy it is for us to take things for granted: our spouse/partner, our family members, our friends, our co-workers, our neighbors. Then something happens abruptly - like say an illness or an accident – and before you know it, the special person in our life is gone.

The challenge, the participants in the conversation said, is to live a life of thankfulness and gratitude for what we have – while we still have it. That is the challenge!

As I reflect on this comments, I can’t help but feel as if they were reading the author’s mind of today’s passage - for in that passage the author noted that as people of faith, “Thanksgiving [should be] our dialect.”

My experience at the group last night and the words from Ephesians this morning got me to wondering what dialect I use most. Do I speak a language of thanksgiving, a language of complaint, a language of expectation, or what?

I would invite you to consider what dialect you speak as well. Sitting with the question might raise our awareness significantly and give us the opportunity to learn a new language (while we still have time!).

Til next time…