I’m sitting here surrounded by a pile of books working on a research project. Time is ticking away, yet I find myself distracted because of an encounter I had with someone several days ago. It wasn’t exactly anything that was said that has gotten under my skin, it was a look.You know "the look." It is one of both disapproval and confusion with what you are doing in a situation. In this case, the situation happens to be my life in general. Why does it bug me so much when others don’t approve?
So, is this blog about me venting? No (okay, maybe a little). This encounter reminded me what it is like to be judged by someone simply because my life doesn’t meet whatever expectations they had for me.
Jesus knew “the look” better than anyone. He constantly had pressure on him to be someone he wasn’t or to do something before the right time. The disciples were constantly baffled by the fact that Jesus wasn’t doing or saying what they had expected of the coming Messiah. There were also several times when Jesus didn’t go and do what the crowd wanted or demanded. How did Jesus keep from bowing to the pressure around him?
Looking at the life of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels, I constantly see him getting away from the crowd and from his disciples to spend time alone with his Father in prayer. That is where he found the ability to be who he was so he could complete his purpose on earth, whether people applauded or threw stones.
If Jesus spent so much time in prayer to keep God's purpose for his life primary, then how much more time should we spend in prayer? Perhaps spending more time there will keep me from being so distracted the next time I am given "the look."
Stephanie
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5 comments:
Great blog! I hate the look. I have to admit, though, that I've given the look to a few people the last few days who are driving slow in the passing lane.
--brad
This is certainly confirmation as to what He has been gently speaking to me, to take more time with Him. Thanks!
God Bless,
Devita
Brad, I think it might be okay to give the look to people driving slow in the passing lane. I'm sure God understands:-)I hope your drive to the west is going well.
Try being a Pagan and then you would know about being "judged". I think you have it easy in the world.
We all get the "LOOK," and we all give the "LOOK". Sometimes the look can get us to thinking, and we can learn from it. As a mother I know I gave the "LOOK" to you growing up, as did my mother to me. Gee...I hated that look, but sometimes I deserved it! If you have the look coming, stop and think about it....BUT if you are getting the look from a person who just likes to judge people, you just have to let it go.......OR you could just give them the "LOOK" back and make them wonder what is wrong with them!! Hee Hee....just kidding. Pray for them....that's the answer you are expecting, right!??
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