There are days when I wish I could shake everyone around me. Not in a bad way. Life inflicts enough cruelty. There is never an excuse for more. I want to shake each one kindly; hoping beyond hope that they will begin the learning process life offers them.
Most believe their story is unique. They work harder than others. More in fact than anyone has before. They work smarter than others. Others have been brilliant; they are up or even higher than the best. They work with better intent. I never quite understand the meaning of this statement. Many use it; it is as if they believe that the motive I see is purer than anyone that has come before them.
There is the occasional quiet one. If they are quiet, listening, and asking, they are the children that will in time become leaders. They are already listening, no shaking required.
For each, I have a message that has only come to me with age. I wish I had listened earlier. Life had to take its toll from me in order for me to begin to hear.
There are three points that I wish each could hear.
“My dear children, you come from God and belong to God. You have already won a big victory over those false teachers, for the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world.” (1 John 4.4)
My child, you hold a priceless gift within your heart and soul. You may not think it is there. I assure you it is. You have the gift of choice. You can choose to make a difference to those around you. More importantly, you can choose to be the difference for your self.
My dear one, you are part of something greater than what you know. You are a member of God’s family. It is a community willing to lift your burdens, carry your loads. It asks nothing more from you than that you live fully, compassionately, and completely.
When I want to shake others, I realize that I need shaking.
