I'm a talker, a seeker of information, and a lover of sharing that which I find.  Yet for the last several weeks I've found my tongue silenced by a torment I could not identify.  Tortuous, really, as those who know me can recognize.  Not being able to speak my mind, to be honest and free in thought, is to not exist, as far as I'm concerned.  It is in this state I have found myself these last few weeks, a state I do not enjoy. 

 

I read my Bible and see these things which, to me, are revelations.  To others they may be but observations, common knowledge even, or simply some form of nonsensical ploy at attempted understanding, and many may find them as misinterpretations.  Still, I recognize the power in what is revealed to me, and the duty I have to share it with others.  After all, this knowledge I possess, that which I gain, is not mine to hold on to.  It is given to me that I may pass it along.  What happens to this knowledge once I have made its course is no longer my concern, for I have fulfilled my duty.  Why, then, do I suddenly find myself with nothing to say?   

 

I have succumb to the notion that if what I have to say is worthy others will surely recognize its worth and act (at least feel) accordingly.  But what of those who do not recognize, as I do, the inherent value of that which I have discovered?  If my audience does not grasp, for lack of ability or desire, that which I share, do my words lose value?  I sometimes think so.  I sometimes (okay, quite often) feel the pain of failure when my words fall on deaf ears.  I am discouraged when those so close to me fail to understand my pleas, my plight, and when those far away seem absent despite their presence.  I have made a classic mistake, one I'm sure we are all familiar with.  I- that is the mistake.  I do not know anything God does not tell me.  I do not have any insight God does not give me.  I cannot see anything God does not show me.  Most importantly, I do not receive anything God knows I don't need.  God provides that which I need, not want, but need. 

 

It is in this thought, this revelation (or obvious trait of God) that I realize my fault.  I am faithful to God in my sharing of that which He has given.  Should that not be enough?  Yet, as a man, it often is not.  I expect those who hear me to suddenly see that which I am just now discovering, to realize with the clarity I do the greatness of these things.  Simply, I await gratification, and in so doing I succumb to such arrogant foolishness that my eyes had to be closed and my ears sealed for a time. 

 

Dry spells, in every aspect of life, are common.  We all face times of relative misery, boredom, or lack of direction.  In our jobs we often find ourselves motivated and driven when one of our pet projects is on the board, but once we are asked to turn our attention to someone else's baby we tend to lose sight of the greatness of success, in any form. 

 

In our homes we tend to lose sight of the greatness of our spouses or children that we once knew early on in our time with them.  Once upon a time their mere acceptance of us was enough to carry us through life.  Now, we desire their admiration, their reverence, even when we do not reciprocate. 

 

Our relationship with God is no different.  Once, when we first met Him, it was His acceptance that provided us with a sense of worth, a reason for being.  Later, as we move along the path, by His side, the feeling of being enamored in Him wanes, and we often begin to seek satisfaction through admiration, adoration, etc...not purposefully, not even knowingly, but it creeps in, and we have a tendency to lose sight of the reality of what our lives should be about, and that is doing what is right without expectation. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Micah Cantley                     mkacma@msn.com

 

If this message has been sent to multiple recipients I have employed "Blind Carbon Copying", meaning that while several people have likely received this message the email addresses of the recipients have not been shared.  If this message is of a personal or private nature rest assured discretion has been used and the message has remained confidential.

Why are so many people afraid of the truth?  The answer is as simple as the question- because they know what the truth holds.  Still, so many of us are content to allow others to live in deception rather than inform them of their misguided thoughts or ways all in the name of emotional salvagery.  Where the idea came about that the pain of reality is better avoided I don't know, but it pains me to see people deceived. 

 

When someone does something that hurts us or others, has an ill affect or just sits the wrong way, do we not, as members of the human race, fellow participants in this drama called life, as well as God-fearing people, have an obligation to inform them of the results of their actions?  If we allow them to continue acting in such a way are we not then partly responsible for the future damage they cause? 

 

When our child, or any child, throws a rock or kicks the dog or bites other children, are we not obligated to correct the behavior, both for the betterment of that child as well as society?  Why, then, does this rule not apply to adults?  After all, the damage they cause is often much greater, the affects longer lasting. 

 

Still, everyone is afraid to say anything.  The concept of humility and "turning the other cheek" has been distorted to such a barely recognizable state that they now resemble masochism rather than self-preservation. 

 

Everyday I see people bie their tongues rather than risk the possibility of causing someone else temporary pain in order to help them.  It's like surgery- it's gonna hurt, but you'll be better for it.  Go without, and you'll likely die.  What's the better option?  It seems to me we live in a world of non-practicing physicians, people with a bag full of tools that they are afraid to use!! 

 

Stop being afraid and say what needs to be said.  We'll all be better people for it.