Building Bridges

I can not believe it's been so long since I've posted.  I've been working on my bible study for the pre-teen class so much that after I put that away...I chill for a bit and off to bed.  Yes, I know, it is an exciting life.  :)  But, I love those kids in class so it is totally worth it.  The number of days of school left is in the teens.  I believe each of us are in need of a break.  I have  so many unfinished projects going on at home that I am looking forward to having time to finish them ALL.  That's my goal anyway.  ;)  Who knows how many I will start after I get those done.  Then, I will be in the same predicament I am now!  And, I will continue to drive my husband crazy!! haha!!

Speaking of driving my hubby crazy...  My husband growled at me yesterday.  "Growled" is the best way to describe it.  Why you may ask?  Is it because all of my projects waiting to be finished?  Or the laundry or dishes?  Nope, none of those.  It is because I am such a people pleaser and let others walk on me.  He told me that I go out of my way just to let them kick me.  My husband knows that I've always done this.  It's really one of those things he loves about me. I do this with family all of the time.  (my brother being a prime example!)   I tell him time and time again that I cannot control other people.  I can only control myself.  It is not going to be my fault and no one (including my self-conscience) can say I didn't try.  He doesn't understand how or why I set myself up just to get hurt over and over again.

I can keep trying even when they walk away or blame me because I am secure in who I am.  Yes, there are things I'd like to change.  But, the person I am inside, is a woman secure in a God that loves her.  I have survived things that most people cannot imagine, nor would want to.  Only He could change my heart from the angry, confused thing it was when I was 20 into a heart full of love and peace knowing He is in control.  Am I perfect?  No, way!  But, I am strong enough to keep trying to build bridges, even before others are ready.

I believe that is what Christ would want us to do.  Continue to reach out even when your not wanted.  I was talking with my class last week.  I told them that it usually isn't an overnight  turn over when people turn their life over to God.  God works on their hearts and He puts people in there life to help nudge them in that direction.  You, putting yourself out there and talking about your faith, may not lead to anything but rejection.  But, that is only what you see.  God sees the big picture.  It might take 10 people talking with them to turn them towards God and you might only be number two.   But, to God, you listened and you were a step leading them in the right direction.  God knows the big picture!  Your words do matter.  Stepping out of your comfortable zone does matter.  Building bridges are important.

Then, when I look at Biblegateway today, this is the verse of the day:

"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.
 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that
 you may know how you ought to answer each person." 
 Colossians 4:5-6 

And remember this one as well:

"Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother
sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?”  Jesus said
 to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times." 
 Matthew 18:21-22

 So, don't be afraid of rejection.  God will be there to mend your heart when it gets bruised and battered.  Be afraid of not trying anymore.  God doesn't need people full of righteous anger.  He needs hearts willing to take that step to build a bridge.