You can’t really enjoy what somebody else owns until you learn to say two things well: enough and thank-You.
“Want what you own.” Unknown
“The Lord is my shepherd. I have all that I need. . . . My cup brims with blessing.” Psalm 23:1, 5
the little world within
When you take an honest look inside and don’t like what you see, it’s a relief to remember that you’re not on your own.
“He who is the God of the great world around us is the God of the little world within.” George Body
“God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what is good and pleasing and delightful.” Philippians 2:13
an invitation to joy
What if giving up your place in the conversational sun is more than a should? What if it’s an invitation to joy?
“[T]o put aside . . . [your] own desires for a place in the conversational sun in order to see the world through the eyes of this other person. . . .” William Barry and William Connolly
“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with My joy.” John 15:11
acting snarky
The next time you’re acting snarky toward somebody, it might be a good idea to ask yourself whether it’s because she won’t let you in.
“[T]o embrace is the necessity of our deepest being. That foiled, we hate.” George Macdonald
“You know what I long for, Lord.” Psalm 38:9
what justice?
If you’re not in the habit of asking what justice God might want you to do, it feels good (and risky) to start asking.
“Justice is always about what one owns.” John Perkins
“What does the Lord require of you? To do justice and to love mercy. . . .” Micah 6:8
surprising relief
When you take a few days’ vacation from judging (and condemning) people and places and things, you start to taste and see the surprising relief of accepting (and enjoying) them instead.
“Taste and see. . . .” Psalm 34:8
“[S]erve one another in simple acts of love and caring, never judging or condemning. . . .” Jean Vanier